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Asian stock markets edged higher on Friday in thin holiday trading, following record-breaking gains on Wall Street, while investors remained cautious about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Trading activity across the region was subdued, as key markets including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India were closed for public holidays.
Despite lower volumes, regional equities were supported by a strong U.S. session, where both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite reached new all-time highs. Positive corporate earnings and a pullback in oil prices boosted investor confidence, particularly in technology stocks after Apple reported better-than-expected quarterly results.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.6%, while the broader TOPIX index remained flat. However, gains were limited due to rising geopolitical risks. Reports suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump was preparing to review military options against Iran, increasing fears of further conflict. Iran responded with warnings of “long and painful strikes” if attacked, heightening uncertainty in global markets.
Concerns also grew over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, which has tightened supply expectations. Brent crude prices previously surged above $126 per barrel, marking a four-year high, before easing later.
Asian equities had already posted strong gains in April, fueled by optimism around artificial intelligence growth and a temporary easing of geopolitical tensions. South Korea’s KOSPI jumped over 30%, Japan’s Nikkei gained more than 15%, China’s Shanghai Composite rose nearly 6%, and India’s Nifty 50 advanced 7.5%.
Meanwhile, Tokyo’s inflation data showed modest growth, with consumer prices rising 1.5% year-on-year in April, still below the Bank of Japan’s target. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.9%, supported by strong retail performance from Coles Group.
Overall, global market sentiment remains positive but fragile, as investors balance strong economic signals with ongoing geopolitical risks.
