Asia-Pacific markets extend losses as Iran conflict rages on; oil prices rise
CNBC
Oil prices continue to rise Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz,
Asia-Pacific markets opened lower on Tuesday, as the conflict in Iran continues to rage on for a fourth day.
Oil prices extended gains after Iran reportedly said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. crude futures up 0.15% to $71.33, while Brent was up 7.14% to trade at $78.07 per barrel.
More than 14 million barrels per day transited via the Strait on average last year, accounting for nearly a third of the world's overall seaborne crude exports, according to Kpler data.
Gold prices rose for a fifth consecutive session on Tuesday, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid an escalating U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran.
The yen and euro were lower on Tuesday as the widening Middle East conflict focused attention on countries dependent on energy imports.
Oil prices continue to rise Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz,
European stocks are expected to start the new trading week firmly in negative territory.
Oil prices jumped to their highest levels in months on Monday as Iran and Israel escalated attacks in the Middle East, disrupting shipments from the region.
Gold prices rose on Monday after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, deepening global uncertainty.
Oil futures on Monday jumped by over 8%, with West Texas Intermediate futures and Brent trading at $72.52 and $79.04 per barrel respectively.
European markets finished mixed as more earnings reports and economic data were in focus.