Asian shares mixed as tech stocks slide in Japan and South Korea

Asian markets were mixed on Monday, with technology stocks dragging benchmarks lower in Japan and South Korea while gains in other sectors helped offset some losses. The Nikkei 225 shed 1% to 68,704.70, extending Friday's 4.2% decline, as selling pressure on artificial intelligence-related shares weighed on sentiment. South Korea's Kospi also fell, mirroring the tech rout. Meanwhile, U.S. futures advanced and oil prices edged higher, though crude remained near levels seen before the Iran conflict escalated in late February.

For energy traders, the mixed session underscores the tug-of-war between geopolitical risk premiums and demand concerns tied to slowing global growth. Escalating U.S.-Iran tensions over the weekend — including fresh drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes — have added a layer of uncertainty to the oil market. While crude prices have not yet spiked dramatically, the potential for supply disruptions in the Middle East keeps the risk premium elevated. Traders can monitor real-time fuel quotes on NowPrice to track how these geopolitical developments translate into price action at the pump.

Looking ahead, markets will focus on upcoming economic data from China and the U.S., as well as any further developments in the Iran conflict. The Nikkei's sharp Friday drop and continued weakness suggest that investor sentiment remains fragile, particularly in the tech sector. For oil, the key question is whether the geopolitical tensions will escalate into actual supply disruptions or whether diplomatic channels will cool the situation. Traders should watch for any statements from OPEC+ members regarding potential output adjustments in response to the evolving crisis.