Asian stock markets today: Kospi drops nearly 3% as Iran tensions keep investors cautious
Asian equities opened mixed on Tuesday, with South Korean stocks leading regional declines as investors weighed rising tensions around Iran, while oil held near $92 a barrel.
Source: MSN · August 25, 2026 at 1:09 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceSINGAPORE, 25 AUGUST 2026 —
Asian Stocks Mixed as South Korea Leads Losses on Iran Tensions
Market Impact
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Asian stock markets opened mixed on Tuesday, with South Korea’s Kospi index falling nearly 3% as investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions involving Iran, while crude oil prices hovered around $92 a barrel.
The benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) was little changed in early trade, reflecting limited direct impact from the geopolitical developments. Regional markets such as Singapore and Thailand also traded sideways, with investors adopting a wait-and-see approach ahead of key economic data and policy signals.
South Korea’s Kospi index dropped 2.8% to 2,510.42 points, extending losses from Monday, as investors priced in risks tied to potential disruptions in oil supplies from the Middle East. Oil futures held near $92 a barrel, a level last seen in July, as traders monitored developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route.
Analysts said the market reaction remained contained for now, with most Asian economies, including Malaysia, expected to weather short-term volatility. The broader outlook hinges on geopolitical developments and central bank policy cues in the coming sessions.
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