Source: Sharecast
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 2.08% to 66,970.22, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 1.10% to 25,652.82, the Shanghai Composite eased 0.82% to 3,934.09, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.73% to 6,345.53, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.19% to 9,250.60.
Brent crude was up 1.93% to $89.41 as US President Donald Trump demanded Iran pay compensation for people killed in wars, attacks and protests.
Iran had on Tuesday issued its own set of conditions for the reopening of the key waterway, including compensation and a lifting of sanctions. Both pronouncements indicated the strait would not be reopened any time soon and Trump has clearly retreated from his regular threats of military action.
The Nikkei extended recent gains as heavyweight tech and industrial names advanced, supported by a softer yen and improving sentiment around global semiconductor demand.
Chip‑equipment makers were among the strongest performers in Tokyo, while financials and exporters also contributed.
The Kospi built on Monday’s rebound, with large‑cap tech stocks recovering further after recent volatility linked to memory‑chip pricing and leveraged retail flows.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both traded higher, helping lift the wider index as foreign investors turned net buyers.
Hong Kong equities lagged, with the Hang Seng slipping as profit‑taking hit major technology and property names following Monday’s strong finish.
Mainland Chinese markets also weakened, with the Shanghai Composite edging lower as industrials and tech hardware stocks came under pressure.
Australia’s ASX 200 edged higher after the Reserve Bank of Australia left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35%, maintaining a hawkish tone as it continues to monitor inflation risks.
Energy stocks led gains in Sydney, supported by stronger oil prices, while healthcare names also advanced.
Financials were more muted, with bank shares mixed following recent updates pointing to softer mortgage demand and margin pressure.
Across the region, traders remained focused on global rate expectations, geopolitical tensions and upcoming US inflation data, which are likely to shape near‑term risk appetite.
Asia’s mixed but generally firmer close reflected ongoing sector rotation and selective buying across tech and energy names.
Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com