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Asia shares wary, oil choppy on Hormuz doubts
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Summary
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48. Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week. ALL THE CENTRAL BANKS For Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and DAX futures both rose 0.2 per cent, while FTSE futures added 0.3 per cent.
## Summary
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48. Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week. ALL THE CENTRAL BANKS For Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and DAX futures both rose 0.2 per cent, while FTSE futures added 0.3 per cent.
## Article Content
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Asia shares wary, oil choppy on Hormuz doubts
A pedestrian walks past a stock quotation board showing the Topix average, the Nikkei share average and the exchange rate between Japanese yen and U.S. dollar outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
16 Mar 2026 08:41AM
(Updated: 16 Mar 2026 10:27AM)
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SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike.
In a possible hint of hope, the Wall Street Journal reported the Trump administration plans to announce as early as this week that multiple countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump told the Financial Times it would be very bad for the future of NATO if the allies did not help.
European Union foreign ministers will discuss on Monday bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East, though any operation in the Strait would be fraught with risk.
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Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48.
Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them.
"Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April."
"Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated."
Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged down 0.1 per cent.
Chinese blue chips eased 0.5 per cent as data showed retail sales and industrial output for January and February topped forecasts, while house prices continued to slip.
Top U.S. and Chinese officials are also meeting in Paris to discuss potential deals in agriculture, critical minerals and managed trade for Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider when the U.S. president visits in Beijing.
ALL THE CENTRAL BANKS
For Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and DAX futures both rose 0.2 per cent, while FTSE futures added 0.3 per cent.
S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures bounced 0.4 per cent in choppy trading. While earnings season is over, concerns about AI will be front and centre as Nvidia hosts its GTC conference at Silicon Valley this week, where it is expected to show off the latest advances in chips and AI infrastructure.
The coming energy shock, combined with pressure on fiscal budgets from higher defence spending, saw double-digit increases in bond yields globally last week.
Ten-year Treasury yields were at 4.267 per cent, having climbed 32 basis points since the war began, while futures have sharply scaled back the scope for future rate cuts.
The Federal Reserve is considered certain to hold on Wednesday and the chance of an easing by June has come down to just 26 per cent, from 69 per cent a month ago.
Investor attention will be on the tone of the statement and press conference, and whether the median "dot plot" projections from policymakers remove any further easing for this year.
A cautiously steady outcome is expected at the other central bank meetings, bar the Reserve Bank of Australia which is seen likely to hike its cash rate a quarter point to 4.1 per cent as it battles resurgent inflation at home.
The heightened volatility in markets has tended to benefit the U.S. dollar as a store of liquidity. The United States is also a net energy exporter, giving it a relative advantage over Europe and much of Asia, which are net importers.
The dollar was trading a touch lower early on Monday, partly in reaction to the report that shipping might be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz.
The dollar eased to 159.47 yen, just off a 20-month top of 159.75, with investors wary in case a break of 160.00 triggers more warnings of intervention from Japan.
The euro was stuc
---
## Expert Analysis
### Merits
- The heightened volatility in markets has tended to benefit the U.S. dollar as a store of liquidity.
- The United States is also a net energy exporter, giving it a relative advantage over Europe and much of Asia, which are net importers.
### Areas for Consideration
- European Union foreign ministers will discuss on Monday bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East, though any operation in the Strait would be fraught with risk.
- CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48.
- Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week.
### Implications
- Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike.
- President Donald Trump told the Financial Times it would be very bad for the future of NATO if the allies did not help.
- European Union foreign ministers will discuss on Monday bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East, though any operation in the Strait would be fraught with risk.
- Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week.
### Expert Commentary
This article covers per, cent, week topics. Notable strengths include discussion of per. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1024.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48. Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week. ALL THE CENTRAL BANKS For Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and DAX futures both rose 0.2 per cent, while FTSE futures added 0.3 per cent.
## Article Content
Advertisement
Business
Asia shares wary, oil choppy on Hormuz doubts
A pedestrian walks past a stock quotation board showing the Topix average, the Nikkei share average and the exchange rate between Japanese yen and U.S. dollar outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
16 Mar 2026 08:41AM
(Updated: 16 Mar 2026 10:27AM)
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SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike.
In a possible hint of hope, the Wall Street Journal reported the Trump administration plans to announce as early as this week that multiple countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump told the Financial Times it would be very bad for the future of NATO if the allies did not help.
European Union foreign ministers will discuss on Monday bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East, though any operation in the Strait would be fraught with risk.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48.
Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them.
"Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April."
"Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated."
Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged down 0.1 per cent.
Chinese blue chips eased 0.5 per cent as data showed retail sales and industrial output for January and February topped forecasts, while house prices continued to slip.
Top U.S. and Chinese officials are also meeting in Paris to discuss potential deals in agriculture, critical minerals and managed trade for Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider when the U.S. president visits in Beijing.
ALL THE CENTRAL BANKS
For Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and DAX futures both rose 0.2 per cent, while FTSE futures added 0.3 per cent.
S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures bounced 0.4 per cent in choppy trading. While earnings season is over, concerns about AI will be front and centre as Nvidia hosts its GTC conference at Silicon Valley this week, where it is expected to show off the latest advances in chips and AI infrastructure.
The coming energy shock, combined with pressure on fiscal budgets from higher defence spending, saw double-digit increases in bond yields globally last week.
Ten-year Treasury yields were at 4.267 per cent, having climbed 32 basis points since the war began, while futures have sharply scaled back the scope for future rate cuts.
The Federal Reserve is considered certain to hold on Wednesday and the chance of an easing by June has come down to just 26 per cent, from 69 per cent a month ago.
Investor attention will be on the tone of the statement and press conference, and whether the median "dot plot" projections from policymakers remove any further easing for this year.
A cautiously steady outcome is expected at the other central bank meetings, bar the Reserve Bank of Australia which is seen likely to hike its cash rate a quarter point to 4.1 per cent as it battles resurgent inflation at home.
The heightened volatility in markets has tended to benefit the U.S. dollar as a store of liquidity. The United States is also a net energy exporter, giving it a relative advantage over Europe and much of Asia, which are net importers.
The dollar was trading a touch lower early on Monday, partly in reaction to the report that shipping might be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz.
The dollar eased to 159.47 yen, just off a 20-month top of 159.75, with investors wary in case a break of 160.00 triggers more warnings of intervention from Japan.
The euro was stuc
---
## Expert Analysis
### Merits
- The heightened volatility in markets has tended to benefit the U.S. dollar as a store of liquidity.
- The United States is also a net energy exporter, giving it a relative advantage over Europe and much of Asia, which are net importers.
### Areas for Consideration
- European Union foreign ministers will discuss on Monday bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East, though any operation in the Strait would be fraught with risk.
- CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Oil markets were cautious as Brent rose 0.8 per cent to $104.01 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.2 per cent to $98.48.
- Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week.
### Implications
- Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SYDNEY, March 16 : Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, complicating an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, barring one possible hike.
- President Donald Trump told the Financial Times it would be very bad for the future of NATO if the allies did not help.
- European Union foreign ministers will discuss on Monday bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East, though any operation in the Strait would be fraught with risk.
- Central banks in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden hold their first full meetings since the start of the war, with energy prices looming over all of them. "Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth," said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan. "Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April." "Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated." Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks added 0.2 per cent after both lost ground last week.
### Expert Commentary
This article covers per, cent, week topics. Notable strengths include discussion of per. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1024.
per
cent
week
fast
central
futures
japan
dollar
