Asian markets bounced back Tuesday after steep losses the previous day, as investors bet the war with Iran might be short-lived.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.9% to 54,248.39 following revised economic data showing Japan’s economy grew 1.3% annually in the last quarter of 2025, stronger than the initial 0.2% estimate. Analysts said solid business investment helped lift the economy.
“Positive comments from President Trump overnight are giving markets hope that the conflict could ease,” said Neil Newman, managing director at Astris Advisory Japan.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.1% to 8,692.60, South Korea’s Kospi jumped 5.4% to 5,532.59, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 2.1% to 25,937.59, and Shanghai’s Composite index gained 0.6% to 4,120.45.
The rebound followed a steep drop in oil prices, which had spiked near $120 per barrel amid Middle East tensions before falling to about $90. Benchmark U.S. crude dropped $5.78 to $88.99 a barrel, while Brent crude slipped $5.79 to $93.17.
In the U.S., markets recovered from early losses. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 6,795.99, the Dow Jones added 239 points to 47,740.80, and the Nasdaq gained 1.4% to 22,695.95.
Investors remain wary of prolonged oil price surges, which could strain household budgets and corporate costs, raising fears of global stagflation. Concerns center on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes. President Trump said he was considering “taking it over” if Iran disrupts the flow.
In bonds, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell to 4.10% from 4.15%, while currency markets saw the dollar edge slightly higher against the yen at 157.48.