Asian Markets Slip Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions and RBA Rate Hike Expectations

Asian stock markets declined on Tuesday as investor sentiment weakened בעקבות escalating geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and anticipation of further monetary tightening in Australia. Regional trading activity remained subdued, with major markets in Japan, China, and South Korea closed, leading to lower overall volumes.

The downturn followed negative cues from Wall Street, where U.S. equities dropped after Iran launched retaliatory strikes in response to a U.S. mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This development raised concerns about a potential disruption to the fragile ceasefire between the two nations. However, statements from Iranian officials suggested that diplomatic negotiations are still ongoing, offering some hope of de-escalation. Meanwhile, S&P 500 Futures remained largely unchanged during Asian trading hours.

Australia’s benchmark ASX 200 index fell by 0.6% as investors braced for a widely anticipated interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Analysts expect the central bank to raise rates by 25 basis points, marking its third increase this year as it continues to address persistent inflation pressures. Rising oil and gas prices, partly driven by tensions involving Iran, have reinforced expectations of a more hawkish monetary policy stance. The ASX 200 has now declined in 10 of the past 11 sessions, reflecting investor caution amid tightening financial conditions. Among notable movers, Westpac Banking Corporation dropped 1.8% after reporting weaker-than-expected first-half earnings, while Regis Resources fell 4.9% following its announcement to acquire Vault Minerals.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also moved lower, declining 0.8%, primarily due to losses in technology stocks that mirrored the overnight sell-off in U.S. markets. The tech sector faced additional pressure from profit-taking after a strong rally driven by artificial intelligence optimism in recent weeks. Gains fueled by DeepSeek’s AI model launch in late April have started to fade as investor enthusiasm cools.

Elsewhere in the region, Singapore’s Straits Times Index slipped 0.3%, while India’s Nifty 50 futures traded flat, highlighting a cautious outlook across Asian financial markets.