Crude oil prices rose about 2 percent after renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, lifting Brent and WTI and prompting risk-off moves across markets. Asian stock markets closed mostly lower on Thursday as investors reacted to the higher energy costs and heightened geopolitical risk. Global bonds extended a rout that pushed borrowing costs to multi-decade highs, with yields rising across major markets. In India, the 10-year government bond yield jumped to about 7 percent, near a three-month high, while equity indices such as the Nifty50 and Sensex came under pressure. Analysts cited the oil-driven inflation risk and heavier borrowing costs as the main channels transmitting the shock to regional economies, many of which are energy importers. The combination of higher oil and rising yields is sharpening concerns about near-term inflation and could tighten financing conditions for governments and corporates.
