Asia-Pacific markets mostly higher as investors weigh Middle East conflict

Thursday, 12 March 2026 04:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Asia-Pacific equities closed largely in positive territory on Wednesday as investors evaluated the implications of the ongoing war in the Middle East and movements in global energy prices.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.59% to finish at 8,743.5.

Japan’s markets led regional gains, with the Nikkei 225 rising 1.43% to close at 55,025.37, while the broader Topix index climbed 0.94% to 3,698.85. In South Korea, the Kospi advanced 1.4% to 5,609.95, while the small-cap Kosdaq index ended the session unchanged at 1,136.83.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index slipped 0.2%, diverging from mainland Chinese equities where the CSI 300 index rose 0.64% to 4,704.50.

Energy markets remained a central focus for investors. Oil prices, which surged to nearly $ 120 per barrel earlier in the week amid fears of supply disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, eased after traders anticipated that several countries could release emergency crude reserves to stabilise markets.

US crude oil was last trading 3.24% higher at $ 86.15 per barrel.