Stock Market Today: Asian Share Markets in Turmoil as Crude Oil Prices Near $110 The Asian share markets faced significant volatility on Tuesday, with most indices showing sharp declines amid rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The Gift Nifty, a key benchmark for Indian markets, opened in the red zone, dropping 130 points to 23,995. Similar declines were observed in Japan, where the Nikkei 225 fell over 300 points to 60,238, and in Hong Kong, where the Hang Seng Index dropped 180 points to 25,750. European markets also saw declines, with the FTSE-100, DAX, and CAC indices all falling. South Korea’s Kospi Index remained in the green but showed minimal gains. The turmoil in global markets was driven by two primary factors: the sharp rise in crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Crude oil prices surged to nearly $110 per barrel, with Brent crude trading at $109.5 and WTI crude at $98. Murban crude also reached $105. The spike in oil prices was attributed to ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S.-Iran relations remain volatile. Despite ongoing peace talks, no resolution has been reached, leading to heightened fears of supply disruptions. In India, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex and National Stock Exchange Nifty had shown strong gains on Monday, closing at 77,303 and 24,093 respectively. However, the positive momentum reversed on Tuesday, with the Sensex and Nifty facing pressure from global market trends. Analysts noted that the decline in Asian markets was a warning sign for investors, as it signaled a potential slowdown in regional equity markets. The situation has raised concerns among investors, with experts advising caution before making any investment decisions.#strait_of_hormuz #kospi_index #hang_seng_index #ftse_100 #nikei_225
European Markets Rise on Iran Talks and Inflation Data European stock markets opened higher on Wednesday as the U.S. signaled ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran, with Tehran indicating it might permit “non-hostile” vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 1.4% in early trading, with all sectors except oil and gas stocks gaining ground. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 climbed 0.9%, Germany’s DAX advanced 1.6%, and France’s CAC 40 gained 1.4%. Italy’s FTSE MIB also rose 1.4%. Mining and construction sectors led the gains, with Fresnillo, a FTSE 100-listed miner, up 3.5%, and Hochschild Mining rising 4.8%. UK property developer Bellway rebounded sharply, surging 4.6% after earlier losing 17.5% on Tuesday due to warnings about mortgage market volatility linked to inflationary pressures. The U.K. inflation rate remained stable at 3% in February, according to the Office for National Statistics, the final reading before the escalation of the Iran conflict. Core inflation, excluding volatile categories like energy and food, rose to 3.2% from 3.1% in January, aligning with economists’ forecasts. U.S. President Donald Trump stated during a press briefing in the Oval Office that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, and he has paused threats against Iranian energy infrastructure “based on the fact we’re negotiating.” He emphasized that Iran is “talking to us and talking sense.” The New York Times reported that the U.S. had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the conflict, citing unnamed officials. Gold prices surged over 2% on Wednesday, while oil prices fell, easing concerns about inflation. Iran’s UN Mission confirmed via X that “non-hostile vessels, including those of other states,” could secure “safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz with coordination.#strait_of_hormuz #dax #office_for_national_statistics #ftse_100 #cac_40
