Nikkei 225, Kospi, Hang Seng, CSI300

Commercial vessels are pictured offshore in Dubai on March 11, 2026. – | Afp | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets opened lower Friday as oil prices soared on renewed fears that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could further crimp energy supplies, stoking fears of a global economic downturn. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei…

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Strait of Hormuz must remain closed

Son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, attends a demonstration to mark Jerusalem day in Tehran. Morteza Nikoubazl | Nurphoto | Getty Images Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz maritime passage should be continued as a “tool to pressure the enemy,” in his…

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IEA record reserve release, markets doubt relief

A pump jack is seen at sunrise near Bakersfield, California October 14, 2014. Lucy Nicholson | Reuters Oil prices surged more than 8% with Brent crude hitting $100 per barrel Thursday, as traders remain unconvinced that release of government stockpiles could offset the massive supply shock triggered by the war in the Middle East. The…

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