Asian markets mixed as Iran-US calm lifts sentiment, oil prices rise

According to international media reports, Washington and Tehran have reportedly agreed to refrain from launching further attacks

Asian stock markets closed with mixed results on Monday as signs of easing tensions between the United States and Iran lifted investor sentiment, while global oil prices recorded modest gains amid continued uncertainty in the Middle East.

According to international media reports, Washington and Tehran have reportedly agreed to refrain from launching further attacks following last week’s military exchanges. Although the regional situation remains fragile, the development has provided financial markets with some reassurance, encouraging cautious optimism among investors.

In the energy market, crude oil prices moved higher after falling close to pre-conflict levels last week. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by more than one percent as traders continued to monitor geopolitical developments and their potential impact on global energy supplies.

Across Asia, stock market performance varied. Equity indices in Hong Kong, Sydney, Wellington, Taipei, and Manila finished the day in positive territory, while markets in Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Jakarta ended lower as investors weighed regional economic and geopolitical risks.

Technology shares remained under pressure, particularly in South Korea, where leading semiconductor manufacturers extended recent losses following a wave of profit-taking. Investor caution persisted despite the sector’s strong gains earlier this year.

The artificial intelligence and semiconductor boom has helped major stock indices in Seoul, Tokyo, and Wall Street reach record highs in recent months. Shares of South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix have surged by nearly 300 percent during the first half of the year, though recent selling activity suggests investors are locking in profits after the rally.