Escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran pushed oil prices higher, leading to broad declines in Asia-Pacific equity markets, with South Korea's stock index falling by 4.5%, and gold prices dropping below 4,500.

The daily decline of South Korea's Seoul Composite Index widened to 4.5%, with a cumulative drop of over 10% in the past two trading sessions. Spot gold fell more than 1% intraday, breaking below the 4,500 mark. Oil prices rose immediately thereafter, with Brent crude futures gaining over 1%. Analysts noted that crude oil prices face further upside risks, which would simultaneously weigh on global bond and equity markets. As long as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persists, the triple pressures of oil prices, inflation, and interest rates will continue to dominate market trends.

wallstreetcn33minutes ago

Oil prices rise amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz or expectations of a prolonged shutdown.

Amid concerns that the Strait of Hormuz could be closed for an extended period, oil prices rose as the waterway typically handles one-fifth of the world's oil shipments. U.S. President Trump posted on social media Sunday: 'Time is running out for Iran; they had better act quickly or they will end up with nothing.' Significant differences remain between the United States and Iran regarding issues such as Iran’s nuclear program. Nikos Tzabouras, senior market analyst at Tradu.com, noted in an email that this deadlock 'has raised concerns about the viability of a fragile ceasefire agreement and cast doubt on the prospects for a peace deal.'

Global Market Updates07:39

Trump and Netanyahu discuss resuming military strikes against Iran, raising risks of joint US-Israeli airstrikes!

Israeli media confirmed that Trump held a phone conversation with Netanyahu, focusing on restarting military strikes against Iran. Israeli officials stated that if the U.S. takes action, a joint aerial strike by both nations is expected. Trump warned Iran that 'time is running out,' and without a viable solution, it would face even more severe retaliation.

Golden10 Data07:27

Credit Markets Shrug off Geopolitical Turbulence as Bond Supply Surges

Seeking Alpha02:31

Express News | Iranian Foreign Ministry: The US and Israel Use 'Maintaining Energy Stability' as an Excuse to Justify War Against Iran

BreakingsMay 17 18:41

Yields may firm slightly amid caution over rising long-term interest rates in Europe and the United States.

Outlook for the week of May 18 to May 22: Turkish 10-year government bond yields may strengthen as rising long-term interest rates in Europe and the U.S. prompt caution. Rising long-term yields in Western countries are being closely monitored, with the potential for government bond yields to strengthen. Expectations for an early resolution to Middle Eastern conflicts have significantly receded, driving crude oil futures higher. Against the backdrop of increasing global inflationary pressures, Turkish government bond yields are widely expected to strengthen overall.

Fisco JapanMay 17 06:36