Asian Markets Open Mixed as Trump Calls Off Iran Strike

Asian markets opened mixed on Monday following US President Donald Trump's announcement that he had called off a planned military strike on Iran. The decision eased immediate concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East and pushed oil prices sharply lower.

The Nikkei 225 fell 1.43% and the Topix lost 1.45% as Japan led regional declines. South Korea's Kospi dropped 4.57%, while the Kosdaq slipped 1.67%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.36%, although Hong Kong's Hang Seng futures pointed to a slightly firmer open.

The easing of geopolitical tensions saw Brent crude decline $3.52 to $84.41 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $3.49 to $81.18 per barrel.