Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Middle East Conflict Shakes Markets
Asian stocks investing.com plunged this week as Iran conflict and surging oil prices rattled investors. The deepening crisis exposed Asia's heavy reliance on imported energy, with Asian junk bonds bloomberg.com underperforming global peers as the region's oil dependence became a liability.
Energy Markets in Turmoil
Aluminum prices bloomberg.com surged toward their biggest weekly gain since September 2024 as Middle East conflict snarled shipments from the region. Meanwhile, more than 15 million barrels of Russian oil are floating within easy reach of India, offering a quick fix to Middle East supply shortages after the US issued a temporary license easing sanctions on Russian oil purchases.
Regional Economic Impact
Foxconn finance.yahoo.com warned that everyone will feel the impact of a prolonged Iran conflict as supply chains face disruption. The crisis also prompted Morgan Stanley bloomberg.com to downgrade Indian stocks as foreigners rushed to sell shares amid the Middle East conflict.
China's Economic Shift
China bloomberg.com has refrained from setting ambitious solar energy goals in its latest five-year plan, highlighting mounting challenges after years of explosive growth. Peking University Professor Huang Yiping bloomberg.com discussed China's shift toward sustainable growth following Premier Li Qiang's address to lawmakers.
Corporate Moves
KKR bloomberg.com will acquire a 348 billion won ($235 stake in South Korean renewable energy firm SK Eternix, stepping up its climate investments amid market turmoil. TA Associates bloomberg.com is considering selling bubble-tea maker Gong cha, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Commodity Market Dynamics
Teck Resources bloomberg.com agreed with Korea Zinc to sell its zinc concentrates at a slightly higher processing fee in 2026, while charging more on silver and germanium after a surge in prices. The Middle East war could also lift demand for carbon credits in the compliance market if ongoing disruptions to LNG supplies compel industries to turn to cheaper, higher-emission fuels.