Asia-Pacific markets open mixed in choppy trade as investors react to uncertainty around a potential “Hormuz levy” proposed by Donald Trump amid Middle East-related shipping risk. In early session moves, MSCI’s broadest index tracking Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rises 0.4 per cent, indicating mild overall gains despite the unsettled tone. Korean stocks lead the region’s early performance, advancing about 2.2 per cent. Other markets are described as volatile, with trading described as uneven rather than broadly directional. The coverage links the market jitters to concerns that policy or levy proposals tied to Hormuz-related shipping could affect energy costs, trade flows, and broader economic sentiment. Taken together, the reports portray a cautious start: investors hold a slight positive view in aggregate but quickly adjust positions on headline developments. The sources do not provide additional details on specific currencies, bonds, commodities, or company-level impacts, focusing instead on the regional equity index moves and the role of the Hormuz levy threat in shaping sentiment.