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Asian equities rise as US stocks and treasuries move higherAsian stocks rose Wednesday, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index up 0.8%. Gains in South Korea and Japan followed a US stock rise. Brent crude stayed around $103 per barrel.By CNBCTV18.com March 18, 2026, 6:51:29 AM IST (Published)2 Min Read(Photo Credit : REUTERS/Issei Kato)Asian stocks rose at the opening on Wednesday, after a little increase in US stocks and Treasuries, indicating that investors are making an effort to look past short-term geopolitical uncertainty.

The broader MSCI Asia Pacific Index increased by 0.8% after gauges in South Korea and Japan opened higher, setting it up for a third consecutive day of gains. This comes after the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.5% and the S&P 500 increased 0.3% on Tuesday, indicating cautious optimism amid the Middle East war and marking the second consecutive day of gains.

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Brent crude, which was trading at about $103 per barrel, barely changed. The 10-year yield dropped two basis points to 4.20% throughout the US session, but Treasury bonds remained stable on Wednesday.

Energy markets have been shaken by the near-shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, and the shock has affected stocks and bonds due to worries that rising oil prices will fuel inflation. Investors are now focused on how policymakers will react, particularly because the Federal Reserve is scheduled to make its interest-rate decision later on Wednesday.

Early on Wednesday, the yen was somewhat firmer at about 159 to the dollar. Gold remained relatively stable at almost $5,000 per ounce in commodities. The price of bitcoin was about $74,000.

Continue Reading(Edited by : Juviraj Anchil)Tagsasian markets