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Asian Currencies Slip as Oil Rises Amid Middle East Standoff

Bloomberg Markets •
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Asian currency markets slipped on Tuesday as oil prices surged amid a deadlock in Middle‑East diplomacy. The Korean won fell sharply, while the Thai baht posted the steepest slide among regional units. Traders linked the weakness to renewed risk aversion after talks to end the ten‑week US‑Iran conflict stalled, prompting a flight to safe‑haven assets. Analysts warned volatility could spill over to equities.

The depreciation of the won and baht adds pressure to economies already coping with higher import bills, especially for oil‑dependent nations. Currency dealers said the rally in crude, driven by uncertainty over possible escalations, squeezes export‑oriented firms that rely on stable exchange rates. Investors therefore recalibrated portfolios, favoring the yen and Swiss franc as hedges. The shift also tightens funding costs for exporters.

Market participants will watch any movement in diplomatic talks for clues on oil demand and currency stability. A breakthrough could dampen oil spikes, offering relief to the won and baht, while continued deadlock may keep pressure on Asian markets and boost demand for traditional safe‑haven currencies. Banks are already adjusting credit lines accordingly. The current sell‑off underscores how geopolitical risk still steers regional FX trends.