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Asian markets crash as crude oil price hits 52-week high, logging 20% intraday gain; Nikkei, Kospi fall over 6%

Japan’s Nikkei 225 tumbled 6.22% and fell below the 53,000 mark for the first time since February 6, while the Topix declined 5.27%. South Korea’s Kospi cracked 6.68%.

Mar 09, 2026 &03030909202631; 01:03 UTC www.livemint.com Trending 3/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -75/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Asian markets experienced a sharp selloff as crude oil prices surged to 52-week highs with a 20% intraday gain, triggering risk-off sentiment across the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 plummeted 6.22% below 53,000 and South Korea's Kospi fell 6.68%, signaling significant equity market distress amid energy price volatility.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Nikkei 225 (Japan)

^N225Index

Expected to decline

Nikkei 225 fell 6.22% below 53,000 level due to crude oil spike and risk-off sentiment

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^KOSPI

^KOSPIIndex

Expected to decline

South Korea's Kospi declined 6.68% amid energy price shock and regional equity selloff

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Crude oil hit 52-week high with 20% intraday gain, triggering market volatility

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Energy price shock creates currency volatility as risk-off flows intensify

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Reduce equity exposure in energy-sensitive Asian markets; consider hedging with long crude oil positions or defensive sectors. Monitor for further crude oil developments and potential central bank responses to inflation implications.

KEY SIGNALS

Crude oil 52-week high with 20% intraday surge indicates supply shock or geopolitical tensionMajor Asian indices down 6%+ signals panic selling and flight-to-safety behaviorEnergy-dependent economies (Japan, Korea) hit hardest, suggesting inflation concernsBreak below key technical levels (Nikkei below 53,000) may trigger further downside momentum

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyFinancialsConsumer DiscretionaryTransportation

Analysis generated on Mar 09, 2026 at 15:20 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by Livemint. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Asian markets crash as crude oil price hits 52-week high, logging 20% intraday gain; Nikkei, Kospi fall over 6%

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