Asian stocks decline following Israel’s attack on Iran, triggering surge in oil prices

Asian stocks dropped and oil prices surged 13% on June 13, 2025, following Israel’s military strike on Iran, escalating Middle East tensions.

The attack, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and military commanders, heightened geopolitical risks, negatively impacting risk sentiment. Most Asian currencies weakened against the dollar, except for the safe-haven Japanese yen. Brent crude futures rose to $75.36 per barrel, and WTI futures hit $74.20 per barrel.

Summary of the key points from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)

• Market Overview: The SET index opened at 1,122.74 points, down 2.98 points (-0.26%). Other indices like SET50 and SET100 also show slight declines.
• Trading Activity: The total trading value from 12 June 2025 was 32,483.12 million baht. Foreign investors sold more than they bought, while individual investors had a net buy position.
• Market Alerts: The SET directed JKN to clarify its financial position following criminal complaints from the SEC against JKN and its directors.
• Top Performers: Leading stocks include PTTEP (+8.10%), TOP (+4.35%), and TTB (+2.06%).

Investors flocked to safe-haven assets like gold, which climbed 1.5% to $3,434 per ounce, and the Swiss franc. The MSCI All-Country World index faced pressure after a recent rally, with analysts noting potential for further market declines if tensions persist. Investors also turned their attention to government bonds, pushing yields lower as demand surged while major equity markets showed mixed performances, reflecting investor uncertainty.