{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/Pages/business/Markets / Global/asian-stocks-today-nikkei-slides-over-1400-points-kospi-plunges-4-as-middle-east-tensions-deepen"},"headline":"Asian Stocks Today: Nikkei Slides Over 1,400 Points, Kospi Plunges 4% as Middle East Tensions Deepen","description":"Asian markets witnessed a sharp sell-off as escalating Middle East tensions rattled investors. Japan’s Nikkei fell over 1,400 points, while South Korea’s Kospi plunged 4%, reflecting global risk aversion and heavy losses across sectors.","image":["https://res.cloudinary.com/donttjaap/image/upload/v1772516584/primetime_news/pry33tw5wlnbn0gg83ly.jpg"],"datePublished":"2026-03-03T05:43:05.314Z","dateModified":"2026-03-03T05:43:05.314Z","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Riddhima Vashisht","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time Cyber Media","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/logo.png"}},"articleSection":"business","articleBody":"

Asian Markets Tumble: Nikkei Down 1,400+ Points, Kospi Crashes 4%

\n\n

Asian equities extended their losses on Friday as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East triggered a broad risk-off sentiment across global markets.

\n\n

Nikkei Leads Regional Losses

\n\n

Japan’s Nikkei 225 plunged more than 1,400 points in early trade, marking one of its sharpest single-day declines in recent months. Heavy selling was seen in technology, export-oriented and financial stocks as investors rushed to safe-haven assets.

\n\n

Kospi Drops 4%

\n\n

South Korea’s Kospi index fell nearly 4%, weighed down by losses in semiconductor and auto majors. Foreign institutional investors were net sellers amid concerns of prolonged regional instability.

\n\n

Broader Asian Weakness

\n\n

Markets in Hong Kong, mainland China and Australia also traded lower, mirroring overnight weakness in US and European equities. Rising crude oil prices, volatility in bond yields and fears of supply chain disruptions added to market anxiety.

\n\n

What’s Driving the Sell-Off?

\n\n

Escalating Middle East conflict raising fears of broader regional war
Spike in oil prices stoking inflation concerns
Flight to safety with investors shifting to gold, US Treasuries and the dollar

\n\n

Analysts warn that markets could remain volatile in the near term, with investor sentiment closely tied to geopolitical developments and central bank signals.