Asian equity markets opened lower on Monday as geopolitical risk spiked after US forces struck Iran. Regional indices in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong each slipped between 0.5% and 1%, reflecting investor wariness of supply‑chain disruptions and potential sanctions. The sell‑off coincided with a broader risk‑off mood that pulled global commodities higher.

Wall Street’s technology sector remained under pressure, with the Nasdaq Composite edging down roughly 0.7% as chipmakers and software firms grappled with the same geopolitical backdrop. Analysts noted that heightened tension often curtails capital spending on discretionary tech, while valuation multiples already under strain limited upside momentum. The sector’s lag added to the overall market dip.

Crude oil prices rose on the back of the conflict, climbing close to 2% to breach the $90 per barrel mark. Energy traders cited the threat to Middle‑East production routes as the primary driver, prompting investors to rotate into commodities. With oil gains offsetting equity losses, portfolio managers faced a classic trade‑off between growth assets and inflation‑linked hedges.

Investors monitoring the situation will watch for any escalation that could trigger broader sanctions or disrupt shipping lanes. Meanwhile, the dip in Asian equities and tech shares may present entry points for value‑oriented funds, but heightened volatility cautions against large, unhedged positions. Market depth remains thin as risk appetite wanes.