Iran Stock markets in East Asia slump
Stock market prices in East Asia have fallen significantly due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Japanese Nikkei index fell by almost four percent by midday (local time), while the South Korean leading index KOSPI fell by as much as ten percent in the meantime.
04.03.2026, 07:01
SDA
Due to the sharp drop in prices, the Seoul Stock Exchange imposed a temporary trading halt that lasted five minutes. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by almost three percent by midday.
South Korea and Japan are heavily dependent on oil imports from the Middle East, most of which are transported via the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping traffic in the strait is currently severely restricted due to the Iran war and is considered very risky. In addition, the price of crude oil has risen significantly since the war began.
