Asian Markets Mixed as Geopolitical Tensions Rise, Nikkei Hits 4-Month High

Asian stock markets traded mixed on Wednesday amid rising geopolitical tensions and investor caution ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index led regional losses, falling over 1% as risk sentiment weakened due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Both nations exchanged missile strikes for a sixth consecutive day, with concerns intensifying after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was considering military options against Tehran.

Trump’s comments demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and asserting U.S. air superiority further rattled investors, contributing to a cautious market tone across Asia. Chinese markets also declined, with the Shanghai Composite down 0.5% and the CSI 300 shedding 0.4%. Singapore’s Straits Times Index dipped 0.5%, while Indonesia’s benchmark index slipped 0.1%. Australia’s ASX 200 and India’s Nifty 50 Futures remained largely flat.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 bucked the trend, gaining 0.7% to reach a four-month high, supported by a weaker yen amid surging oil prices. The broader TOPIX index rose 0.5%. Despite the gains, Japan’s trade data revealed a 1.7% drop in exports for May, marking the first annual decline in nine months. Exports to the U.S. plummeted 11.1%, reflecting the impact of steep U.S. tariffs on Japanese vehicles and industrial goods.

South Korea’s KOSPI also outperformed, rising 0.7%. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures hovered in a narrow range, with investors awaiting signals from the Federal Reserve. While no rate hike is expected, market participants will closely watch for policy guidance and updated economic forecasts amid signs of slowing retail sales and growing recession concerns.

The overall market mood remained cautious, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic headwinds.