[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac stocks are mostly lower as Middle East geopolitical situation remains fluid and with mixed messages regarding peace talks

APAC Stocks: Mostly Lower

• Asia-Pac stocks trade cautiously as the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains fluid with mixed messages from the US and Iran about talks, while strikes persisted overnight against Iran and its regional neighbours.

ASX 200: -0.3%

• Marginally declined with miners, tech and materials front-running declines, but with downside cushioned by gains in energy, defensives and financials, while price action is contained by a lack of data or fresh major catalysts.

Nikkei 225: -0.2%

• Mildly retreated as the rebound in oil stoked inflationary and growth concerns, given Japan's large dependency on Middle East oil, while the government began releasing emergency oil reserves, as planned.

Hang Seng & Shanghai Comp: Hang Seng -1.5% / Shanghai Comp -0.6%

• Chinese markets are pressured amid a deluge of earnings releases and with developer debt concerns stoked as China Vanke seeks another bond repayment delay, whilst it works on a restructuring plan.

US Equity Futures: -0.2%

• Slightly retreated amid the cautious mood in Asia and uncertainty regarding Middle East peace talks.

European Equity Futures -0.4%

• Indicate a lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.4% after the cash market closed with gains of 1.2% on Wednesday.