Asian airline shares decline amid Iran conflict; energy stocks rise due to higher oil prices and regional disruptions.
Asian airline shares fell sharply on Monday as the escalating conflict between Iran and Western powers led to widespread market instability. Energy stocks saw significant gains due to rising crude oil prices, while investors turned to gold and other safe-haven assets amid uncertainty.
Singapore Airlines dropped over 6%, with Japan's ANA and JAL each declining by more than 4%. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific and Australia's Qantas also experienced notable losses, reflecting the impact of higher fuel costs and operational disruptions caused by the conflict.
West Texas Intermediate futures rose to $69.68 per barrel, while Brent crude reached $76.13, as tensions in Iran escalated following U.S.-Israeli military strikes. Gold futures also surged, jumping 2.3% as investors sought safety.
U.S. stock futures dropped during overnight trading, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures experiencing notable losses. This reflected global market concerns over continued instability in the Middle East and its broader implications for international trade and security.