Asian Markets Fall Sharply on 24 July 2026 as Oil Tops 100 Dollars: Kospi Slips 3.7 Percent, Nikkei Down 3 Percent
- July 24, 2026
- Posted by: Kunal Singla
- Category: News
Asian markets fell on 24 July 2026 as oil crossed 100 dollars. Kospi down 3.71 percent at 6,833.93. Nikkei 225 down 2.86 percent at 64,523. Taiwan down 1.23 percent. Hang Seng down 1.11 percent.
Asian markets fell sharply on Friday, 24 July 2026, as oil prices stormed back above 100 dollars a barrel amid an intensifying conflict in the Gulf, rattling bond markets and reviving fears of a fresh inflation shock. The selloff across Asian markets was led by South Korea’s Kospi, which slipped 3.71 percent, and Japan’s Nikkei 225, which fell 2.86 percent.
The weakness across Asian markets sets a grim backdrop for Indian equities, with the Nifty expected to open around 23,700, down nearly 170 points, as rising US Treasury yields drive risk aversion across emerging markets.
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Asian Markets Today: Index Wise Performance
The damage was broad based, with every major index in the red except Thailand’s SET Composite, which was yet to update. Here is how the key Asian markets fared in early trade.
| Index | LTP | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikkei 225 (Japan) | 64,523.00 | -1,899.60 | -2.86 |
| KOSPI (South Korea) | 6,833.93 | -262.96 | -3.71 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 44,299.53 | -551.28 | -1.23 |
| Hang Seng (Hong Kong) | 24,932.00 | -278.81 | -1.11 |
| Jakarta Composite | 6,252.64 | -62.67 | -0.99 |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,849.16 | -27.62 | -0.71 |
| Straits Times (Singapore) | 5,543.51 | -38.25 | -0.69 |
Why Are Asian Markets Falling Today
Three forces are hammering Asian markets simultaneously. First, crude oil crossed 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since May after Yemen’s Houthis struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, extending the Middle East war to a second major shipping chokepoint.
Second, US Treasury yields are surging, lifting the dollar to near a 40 year peak against the yen and around a three week high of 101.45 on the dollar index. Third, a renewed global trade war narrative is raising inflation stakes, squeezing the export heavy economies of North Asia hardest, which explains the outsized fall in the Kospi and Taiwan Weighted index.
What the Selloff in Asian Markets Means for India
India rarely escapes a synchronised slide in Asian markets. The Nifty 50 is projected to open near 23,700 with support at 23,450 to 23,550, while the Sensex faces similar pressure. FIIs, already net sellers of Rs 2,999 crore on 23 July, tend to accelerate selling on global risk off days.
India’s relative cushion comes from domestic institutional flows and a lower export dependence than Korea or Taiwan. However, as an oil importer, India faces a double hit from 100 dollar crude through the rupee, which opened weaker at 96.63 per dollar, and through corporate margins.
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How Should Investors Respond to Weak Asian Markets
Panic selling into a gap down open is historically the worst response to global volatility. Investors can instead review portfolio quality, keep some cash ready for staggered buying, and avoid leveraged positions while Asian markets remain turbulent.
Sectors with low oil and export sensitivity, such as domestic financials, tend to outperform in such phases, while airlines, paints and energy importers face margin pressure. Consult a SEBI registered advisor before restructuring a portfolio around global events.
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Conclusion
Asian markets fell hard on 24 July 2026, with the Kospi down 3.71 percent and the Nikkei losing 2.86 percent, as 100 dollar oil, surging US yields and trade war fears combined into a potent risk off cocktail. Indian equities face a weak open with Nifty support at 23,450 to 23,550. Discipline, quality and patience remain the best tools for investors until global conditions stabilise.
Disclaimer: Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with the official NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) websites before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Why did Asian markets fall on 24 July 2026?
Ans. Asian markets fell because oil prices stormed back above 100 dollars a barrel amid the intensifying Gulf conflict, US Treasury yields surged, and renewed trade war fears raised inflation risks, triggering broad risk aversion.
How much did the Kospi and Nikkei fall?
Ans. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 3.71 percent to 6,833.93, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.86 percent, or 1,899.60 points, to 64,523.00 in Friday’s trade.
Which Asian indices fell the most today?
Ans. The Kospi was the worst performer with a 3.71 percent fall, followed by the Nikkei 225 at 2.86 percent, Taiwan Weighted at 1.23 percent, Hang Seng at 1.11 percent and Jakarta Composite at 0.99 percent.
How does the fall in Asian markets affect Indian stocks?
Ans. Indian equities typically open weak when Asian peers slide. The Nifty is expected to open near 23,700, down about 170 points, with immediate support at 23,450 to 23,550 and resistance at 23,900 to 24,000.
Why are Korean and Taiwanese markets falling more than others?
Ans. Korea and Taiwan are export heavy, technology driven economies that are most exposed to a global trade war and higher energy costs, which is why the Kospi and Taiwan Weighted index underperformed other Asian markets.
What should investors do when global markets crash?
Ans. Avoid panic selling into gap down opens, review portfolio quality, keep cash for staggered buying and stay away from leverage. Consulting a SEBI registered advisor before major changes is recommended.
