Asian Stocks Rise on Tech Gains; Oil Surges After Strait Attacks

Asian stock markets opened with gains on Friday, according to reports. The rally was supported by strength in US technology stocks, which carried momentum into regional trading sessions. Concurrently, oil prices rose following tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz attributed to tensions between Iran and the United States. The geopolitical incident added upward pressure to crude valuations amid concerns over potential supply disruptions in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.

Market participants are currently focused on forthcoming US inflation data, which the reports indicated will be crucial in shaping Federal Reserve interest rate policy decisions. The inflation readings could determine the central bank's monetary policy trajectory in coming months. Additionally, the Japanese yen exhibited notable volatility, reflecting market speculation about the possibility of rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. Currency movements tied to potential policy shifts at major central banks typically influence broader regional asset allocation and carry trade positioning, making BOJ communications particularly significant for Asian markets and cross-currency flows.

Source: Markets-Economic Times