Asian markets dip as investors weigh tech earnings, Gulf tensions

Asian shares weakened on Thursday, with the regional index excluding Japan down 0.2% and heading toward a fourth consecutive weekly decline. Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.4%, Korean stocks fell by more than 1%, and US futures were 0.4% lower, despite Wall Street having closed higher overnight.

Business Recorder reported that upbeat results from Meta and other technology companies briefly supported sentiment, but questions about AI investment and Gulf tensions remained in focus. Brent crude gained 1.1% to $110.03 a barrel after the US ordered diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks; gold eased, while the dollar index fell to 102.2. The market picture also reflected uncertainty ahead of a Federal Reserve decision and ongoing geopolitical risks.