Asian markets trade lower as investors react to “hot” US inflation data and uncertainty around a ceasefire involving Iran. The MSCI broadest index tracking Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan falls 0.6%, extending losses for a second consecutive session. In South Korea, shares drop sharply at one point, falling as much as 3.2%, before partially rebounding. Across the region, the move reflects broader risk sentiment linked to expectations that US inflation could affect monetary policy and market conditions. At the same time, reporting points to hesitancy tied to a ceasefire that is described as shaky, adding geopolitical uncertainty to the outlook for trading.
While some markets show intraday rebounds after early declines, the overall regional trend remains negative, with the index’s second day of declines indicating persistent caution among investors. Sources attribute the weaker performance primarily to the combination of US inflation concerns and Iran-related geopolitical uncertainty.
