Asian Markets Today: Nikkei Falls 1%, Kospi Drops 2.6% as US Iran Tensions Rattle Risk Assets

Asian markets today traded mostly lower on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, as investors assessed the implications of renewed geopolitical tensions for energy supplies and risk assets after the US resumed strikes on Iran. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1.01 percent while South Korea's Kospi dropped 2.60 percent, leading the regional decline.

The selloff followed a spike in crude oil prices and a stronger dollar, which raised concerns that inflation could keep global interest rates higher for longer.

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Asian Markets Today: Index Wise Performance

Index	Level	Change
Nikkei 225 (Japan)	67,565.00	-691.96 (-1.01 percent)
Kospi (South Korea)	7,457.26	-199.05 (-2.60 percent)
Hang Seng (Hong Kong)	23,848.00	+351.11 (+1.49 percent)
Straits Times (Singapore)	5,350.18	+7.94 (+0.15 percent)
Taiwan Weighted	45,359.13	-119.98 (-0.26 percent)
Jakarta Composite	5,938.39	-48.11 (-0.80 percent)
Shanghai Composite	3,979.73	-10.51 (-0.26 percent)

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What Is Dragging Asian Markets Today

The US military launched airstrikes against Iran and reimposed crude sales sanctions after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, sending Brent crude up 1.9 percent to $75.54 a barrel. Energy importing economies such as Japan, South Korea and India are most exposed to an oil shock, which explains the sharper cuts in the Nikkei and the Kospi.

The Kospi's 2.6 percent slide also extended the recent weakness in South Korean technology heavyweights, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng bucked the regional trend with a 1.49 percent gain.

How Are Indian Markets Reacting

Indian equities opened in the red, tracking the weak regional cues. The Sensex was down around 0.50 percent near 77,788 in early trade, while the Nifty 50 slipped 0.48 percent to around 24,280. Oil sensitive sectors, including aviation, paints and oil marketing companies, are likely to stay under pressure while upstream energy names may see buying interest.

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Conclusion

Asian markets today closed ranks around risk aversion, with the Nikkei down 1.01 percent and the Kospi sliding 2.60 percent after US strikes on Iran lifted oil prices and the dollar. The Hang Seng rose 1.49 percent against the trend, while the Sensex and Nifty 50 opened about half a percent lower. Investors should stay selective and consult a SEBI registered advisor in volatile phases.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Why are Asian markets falling today?

Ans. Asian markets today fell as US strikes on Iran and fresh sanctions lifted crude oil prices and the dollar, raising concerns about energy supplies, inflation and higher interest rates.

How much did the Nikkei fall today?

Ans. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 691.96 points, or 1.01 percent, to 67,565 on 8 July 2026.

Why did the Kospi crash 2.6 percent?

Ans. South Korea's Kospi dropped 199.05 points, or 2.60 percent, to 7,457.26, hurt by the oil spike, a firm dollar and continued weakness in technology heavyweights.

Which Asian markets rose today?

Ans. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 351.11 points, or 1.49 percent, to 23,848, and Singapore's Straits Times added 0.15 percent, bucking the weak regional trend.

How are Indian markets performing today?

Ans. The Sensex was down about 0.50 percent near 77,788 and the Nifty 50 slipped 0.48 percent to around 24,280 in early trade on 8 July 2026, tracking weak Asian cues.

What should investors do amid the volatility in Asian markets?

Ans. Investors should avoid panic selling, watch crude oil and the US Iran situation, focus on quality stocks and consult a SEBI registered investment advisor before making portfolio changes.