[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks begin higher as lower oil prices help the region shrug off the lacklustre lead from Wall St and reports of Iran beginning to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz

Asian stocks are opening higher despite a subdued lead from Wall Street, primarily buoyed by lower oil prices. However, reports of Iran laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz add a layer of geopolitical tension, which traders should keep an eye on as it could impact the broader energy sector and market sentiment going forward.