Hong Kong, 10 September 2026 – Asian equities moved lower as oil prices above US$100 a barrel revived inflation concerns and rising bond yields pressured risk assets. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.3%, with Japanese and Australian benchmarks opening weaker while South Korea was little changed, extending a cautious global tone after declines in major United States share indices.
Brent crude advanced to US$101.69 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate traded near US$97 as intensifying Middle East tensions raised concerns over supply from the Gulf. Higher energy prices complicate the outlook for central banks because they can lift transport, manufacturing and household costs even when underlying demand is moderating. For import-dependent Asian economies, the combination can also weaken trade balances and currencies.
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