Stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region began Wednesday on a positive note, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 reaching an all-time high as investors largely set aside concerns over ongoing U.S.-Iran talks and renewed hostilities in the Middle East.
As of 9:24 local time in Bangkok, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 advanced 2.41% to 68,342 points. Australia’s ASX 200 also posted gains, rising 0.52%. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.24% to 4,084.77 points, but Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index stood at 25,731, registering a 1.18% drop. Korean Kospi and Thailand’s SET Index closed on their national holiday.
In the commodities sector, crude oil prices moved higher amid heightened regional tensions. West Texas Intermediate June futures gained 1.02% to $94.72 per barrel. Brent crude for July delivery rose 0.93% to $96.89 a barrel.
Hostilities in the Gulf escalated following reports from the U.S. military that Iranian missiles targeted Bahrain, Kuwait, and other countries in the area. According to U.S. Central Command, multiple ballistic missile launches either missed their mark, failed during flight, or were successfully intercepted—including three projectiles aimed at Bahrain and two targeting Kuwait that failed to reach their destinations.
On the diplomatic front, efforts between Washington and Tehran to resolve the conflict have shown minimal progress, even as tensions in the region remain elevated.
