Business · Markets · 1 hr ago
Asian markets mixed as South Korean shares fall and oil prices retreat
Asian markets started the week unevenly, with South Korean shares falling and Chinese shares edging higher.
The trading came as attacks continued in the Gulf and investors weighed uncertainty about energy supplies.
Oil prices fell after an initial rise, while markets also reacted to a US announcement of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in the energy sector and proposals to increase Russian diesel exports.
Investors are watching the start of the company earnings season, including results expected from major US banks and Taiwan's TSMC.
TSMC makes advanced chips used in artificial intelligence, and analysts expect another record-profit quarter.
Investors are also concerned that heavy borrowing for AI investment could raise company financing costs, while higher bond yields put pressure on stock valuations.
US inflation, producer-price and retail-sales figures due this week may help investors judge price pressures and the outlook for interest rates.
Asian markets opened the week mixed on Monday, with South Korean shares falling and oil prices retreating.
Brent crude futures fell 1.6% to $103.01 a barrel, while US crude futures dropped 1.9% to $90.11.
South Korea’s benchmark index fell, while Chinese blue-chip shares rose 0.1%.
Trading was limited as Japanese markets were closed for a holiday and US activity slowed ahead of earnings season.
Investors were also watching for US inflation data and results from major companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
- Who
- Asian stock markets and oil traders. Investors were also watching company results and US economic data.
- What
- Asian markets were mixed, South Korean shares fell, and oil prices retreated.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Asian markets, with oil prices and US futures also covered.
- Why
- Markets were watching the start of earnings season and uncertainty about energy supplies. The article also cited ongoing attacks in the Gulf.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The gains in the US index since mid-September have been concentrated almost entirely in the technology sector.
Oil prices remain higher than previous estimates, alongside rising shipping costs and prices of oil products.
Brent crude had reached a recent high of $109.97 a barrel.
Brent futures began trading higher before falling 1.6% to $103.01 a barrel.
Major US banks were due to begin reporting earnings.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company was expected to report a sixth consecutive quarter of record profits.
- South Korean index
- Fell 2.2% in the article text; the headline says 1.7%.
- Brent crude
- Fell 1.6% to $103.01 a barrel.
- US crude
- Fell 1.9% to $90.11 a barrel.
- Chinese blue-chip shares
- Rose 0.1%.
- Japan markets
- Closed for a holiday.
- TSMC results
- Expected Thursday; a sixth consecutive quarter of record profits was forecast.
Sources
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