[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac stocks are mostly lower amid the conflict in Iran

APAC Stocks: Negative

• Asia-Pac stocks are mostly lower with all focus centred on geopolitics following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed its Supreme Leader and dozens of officials, while Iran responded with retaliatory strikes against the US and its allies, including several neighbours in the Gulf.

ASX 200: -0.2%

• Index is marginally lower with weakness seen in tech, financial and airlines stocks as the latter gets a double whammy from flight disruptions and higher fuel costs, while energy stocks were underpinned by the rally in oil prices.

Nikkei 225: -1.5%

• Fell beneath the 58,000 level as exporters suffer from the worsening geopolitical climate and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which the IRGC shut.

Hang Seng & Shanghai Comp: Hang Seng -1.8% / Shanghai Comp Flat

• Chinese markets are somewhat mixed with heavy losses in Hong Kong due to tech weakness, while the mainland bourse is indecisive and ultimately returned to flat territory.

US Equity Futures: Lower

• Retreated at the reopen due to the conflict in Iran, but are off the opening lows.

European Equity Futures -1.5%

• Indicate a drop at the cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 1.5% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.4% on Friday.

The significant geopolitical tensions following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran are driving a negative sentiment across Asia-Pacific stocks, as investors react to the escalating conflict. The market is likely to remain sensitive to developments in the region, particularly concerning oil supply disruptions, which could further weigh on global equities and create volatility in safe-haven assets like gold. Traders should monitor the situation closely as it may influence broader market dynamics and investor sentiment in the coming sessions.