Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 4.06%, Shanghai Composite down 2.50% Hang Seng down 3.45% ASX down 0.87%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,386.76 (-4.83%) Silver at $65.358 (-6.17%), Brent Oil at $108.04 (1.53%), WTI Oil at $99.22 (1.02%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.416, UK 10-year yield at 4.9960, Germany 10-year yield at 3.0381
News & Data:
- (CAD) Core Retail Sales m/m 0.8% to 1.2% expected
- (CAD) Retail Sales m/m 1.1% to 1.4% expected
Markets Update:
Asia-Pacific markets fell sharply on Monday, with major indexes in Japan and South Korea dropping more than 5% as investors moved away from risk assets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, now entering its fourth week. Growing uncertainty over energy supply routes and geopolitical risks weighed heavily on regional sentiment.
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s power plants could be “obliterated” if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The strategic waterway is critical for global energy transportation. In response, Iran threatened retaliation against energy infrastructure and desalination facilities across the Gulf if the ultimatum is enforced.
Iran’s Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that attacks on Iran’s power facilities would trigger immediate strikes on regional oil and energy assets. He further cautioned that financial institutions purchasing U.S. Treasurys could become potential targets if they support U.S. military funding.
Oil markets reacted with volatility. Brent crude rose 0.65% to $112.68 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 0.8% to $99. Goldman Sachs raised its short-term oil forecasts, expecting Brent to average $110 in March–April amid prolonged disruption risks.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell nearly 5%, South Korea’s Kospi dropped over 6%, and Australia’s ASX 200 declined 2.4%, reflecting widespread investor caution across the region.
Upcoming Events:
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