Asian Markets Mostly Rise Amid Talks Over Strait of Hormuz

Asian markets mostly rose in early trading on Wednesday as investors monitored talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely shut down due to the war in Iran.

The global interest in artificial intelligence continued to boost some regional stocks, while declining oil prices helped fuel optimism in oil-importing nations like Japan.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.6% to 66,227.55, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 1.6% to 6,849.92. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.8% to 25,712.29.

Oil prices continued to fall, with U.S. crude dropping $2.06 to $80.30 a barrel and Brent crude losing $2.31 to $86.27 a barrel.