Escalating Middle East conflict drives oil higher as Korean and Japanese equities slide.
Global markets weakened as Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude up 2.57%. The KOSPI fell 7.24%, and the Nikkei dropped 3.06%, while safe-havens strengthened, with the Dollar Index up 0.34%. The S&P 500 edged up 0.04%.
Today's Snapshot
- S&P 500: 6,878.88 (+2.74 pts, +0.04%)
- KOSPI: 6,244.13 (−452.22 pts, −7.24%)
- Nikkei 225: 58,057.24 (−1,778.19 pts, −3.06%)
- Gold: $5,322.12/oz (−0.32%)
- Silver: $89.35/oz (−4.70%)
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold fell 0.32% as traders booked profits and the U.S. dollar strengthened.
Silver dropped sharply 4.70% as profit-taking combined with a stronger dollar and rising real yields reduced precious metals demand.
(B) Energy
Brent crude rose to $76.16/bbl (+2.57%) due to ongoing Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas raising fears of disruptions to key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
(C) Foreign Exchange
The Dollar Index (DXY) climbed to 98.38 (+0.34%) as investors moved capital into the dollar for safety amid global tensions and market uncertainty.
Stock Market
Korea
KOSPI: 6,244.13 (−7.24%)
Major Korean stocks fell sharply as global tensions triggered heavy selling:
- Samsung Electronics (−9.88%) — reduced exposure to semiconductors amid tech weakness
- SK Hynix (−11.50%) — chip stocks heavily sold as risk appetite dropped
- LG Energy Solution (−7.96%) — battery makers declined on growth and EV demand concerns
- Hyundai Motor (−11.72%) — slipped on rising oil prices and uncertainty
Japan
Nikkei 225: 56,279.05 (−3.06%)
Japanese stocks fell as risk sentiment weakened:
- Tokyo Electron (−2.14%) — semiconductor equipment under pressure
- SoftBank Group (−1.33%) — technology and growth stocks weakened
- Sony Group (−6.26%) — broader tech selling
- Toyota Motor (−6.14%) — slipped on oil prices and demand concerns
Volatility & Positioning
VIX closed at 21.44 as rising global tensions and sharp Asian declines increased investor demand for downside protection.
What Traders Are Watching
- Middle East conflict direction — Supply disruption fears keep oil elevated and risk sentiment fragile.
- Inflation and central bank cues — Rising energy costs feed inflation risk monitored closely by central banks.
- Safe haven flows — Dollar and gold movement indicate risk appetite shifts.
“In investing, there are no called strikes.”
Yesterday's Market News — 02 March 2026
Global markets turned risk-off after U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil surged ~7%, U.S. stocks fell sharply with the Dow down over 500 points, and safe-haven assets including gold and silver rallied.
Read full recap →Sources
- Reuters — Global markets slide while oil and safe havens rise
- Reuters/AP — U.S. stocks end mixed after early sell-off and oil surge
- Reuters — UK stocks dip sharply on Middle East conflict impact
- Reuters — FX markets under pressure from energy and conflict fears
- Reuters — Global markets graphic: oil, equities, FX highlights
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