Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals of Tuesday

31 Mar 2026 Evaluate
Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals on Tuesday, due to risk aversion in the market as the ongoing Middle East war entered its fifth week with no signs of de-escalation, as well as reported attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping. Investor sentiments dulled as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz lifted crude prices higher, raising inflationary pressure across the global economy. Japan’s Nikkei slipped for the fourth consecutive session. Besides, Japan’s unemployment rate was 2.6% in February. This was below the expected 2.7%. The stronger-than-expected jobs data for February supports the view that the Bank of Japan has room to tighten policy further.

Nikkei down by 473.85 points or 0.91% to 51,412.00, Hang Seng narrowed by 84.79 points 0.34% to 24,666.00, Taiwan weighted decreased by 740.37 points or 2.28% to 31,777.79, KOSPI Index dips by 177.39 points or 3.36% to 5,099.91, and Jakarta Composite declined by 37.89 points 0.54% to 7,053.78.

On the flip side, Straits Times up by 1.29 points or 0.03% to 4,898.55, Shanghai Composite rose by 1.20 points or 0.03% to 3,924.49, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index lifted by 3.45 points or 0.20% to 1,691.35.

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