Asian markets slide as Iran strikes push oil above $110

Asian equity markets opened lower on Thursday, March 19, following Iranian strikes on key energy infrastructure in the Middle East, which drove global oil prices above $110 per barrel and heightened investor concerns.

According to CNN, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.7% in early trading, while South Korea’s Kospi declined by 2.6%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped 1.4%, and Taiwan’s Taiex index also decreased by 1.4%.

The market reaction reflects growing anxiety over energy supply disruptions and their potential impact on the global economy, as rising oil prices weigh on investor sentiment across the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova