[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks extend on losses with global markets roiled by the widening conflict in the Middle East

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is weighing heavily on global markets, particularly in Asia-Pac, where stocks are extending losses.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 4 Mar 2026, 00:25 UTCOn the live feed at 00:05 UTC — 1 more headline followed before this page went public

Newsquawk headlinesUTC

00:26

Bank of Korea Governor Rhee says to hold meeting to review markets, adds to closely monitor for excessive moves in FX and interest rates, will respond if needed on the forex market to prevent herd-like behaviour

00:09

US Central Command says they destroyed 17 Iranian ships and no Iranian ships sailing in the Gulf or Strait of Hormuz or Gulf of Oman today

00:05

[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks extend on losses with global markets roiled by the widening conflict in the Middle East

00:01

Australia sells AUD 900mln October 2037 bonds, b/c 3.74, avg. yield 4.8573%

00:00

New Zealand ANZ Commodity Price Index MM (Feb) 4.2% (Prev. 2.0%)

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Context

This reflects heightened risk aversion among investors, likely leading to increased demand for safe-haven assets like gold and the USD as concerns about geopolitical instability grow.

All markets · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

METALS/1 Sep · 08:06

Two oil supertankers were reportedly hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, reports citing Marisks suggest (details light)

Spot Gold, after we published−1.0%

Further upside seen in energy, downside in equities and fixed and fresh USD strength following this. - Spot gold slipped to USD 4390/oz before dipping lower.

FX/28 Aug · 14:00

Fed Chair Warsh says Fed has more work to do unless confident underlying inflation is moving towards 2% objective

+0.5%DXY

ENERGY/27 Aug · 17:46

The Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no interest in going back to the terms of the MoU it reached with Iran in June, reports WSJ citing sources

+1.4%Brent crude

EQUITIES/26 Aug · 12:56

States and Meta (META) and agree to settle claims that platforms harmed children, according to a court filing; Meta agrees to pay a maximum of USD 16.68bln to states as part of deal

+2.6%market

ENERGY/25 Aug · 19:26

A ceasefire between the US and Iran has been agreed upon, it includes free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and will be announced in the coming days, reports Ria citing Pakistani and Iranian sources

−2.4%Brent crude

FX/2 Sep · 13:45

BoC holds rates as expected as 2.25%

−0.3%USD/CAD

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