Asian Stocks Fall as Brent Crude Nears $98 on Middle East Tensions
Risk sentiment weakened across Asian equities as Brent crude approached $98 per barrel, while the yen and gold strengthened ahead of US inflation data.
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Asian equities traded lower as Brent crude approached $98 a barrel, with rising Middle East tensions amplifying inflation worries and pressuring risk appetite.
Japan's yen firmed 0.4% to 153.73 per dollar as traders positioned for a possible Bank of Japan rate hike. Gold added 0.4% to $4,422.83, and copper hit a record high ahead of the upcoming US inflation report.
The moves reflect a defensive tone across markets, with commodities bid and equities under pressure.
Source: First Squawk