Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index led declines in Asia-Pacific markets Thursday, falling over 2%, as investors weighed the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates steady, while the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran continues to dent sentiment.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dumped 396.81 points, or 1%, to 38,488.34.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dropped 472.95 points, or 2%, to 23,237.74.
U.S. President Donald Trump is convening his national security advisors in the White House Situation Room for the second time in two days, as he weighs a potential military strike on Iran amid its conflict with Israel. The meeting started shortly before 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to a White House official.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 backpedaled 31.88 points, or 0.8%, to 3,843.09.
In Korea, the Kospi index inched ahead 5.55 points, or 0.2%, to 2,977.74.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index stumbled 353.23 points, or 1.6%, to 22,003.50.
In Singapore, the Straits Times index deleted 26.63 points, or 0.7%, to 3,894.18
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 backtracked 58.26 points, or 0.5%, to 12,569.06.
In Australia, the ASX 200 lost 7.48 points, or 0.1%, to 8,523.70.
