Nikkei hits record high while Asian markets ignore US-Iran tensions.

• Nikkei hits new record high amid rising Asian stock markets.
• US-Iran tensions put pressure on oil and global markets.
• Investors are monitoring the Middle East and oil prices.

Asia-Pacific markets were mostly positive on Wednesday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 index standing out, reaching a new all-time high. This movement occurred despite growing concerns related to negotiations between the United States and Iran and the unfolding conflict in the Middle East.

Investors closely followed statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who said Iran had expanded military operations in strategic areas of the region.

“They are attacking commercial ships and have mined large areas of the Strait of Hormuz — international waters,” Rubio declared during his testimony to Congress, his first appearance since the start of the war involving Iran on February 28.

The White House reported that the U.S. Department of Defense destroyed several sea mines and more than 40 vessels used to install these devices. The focus of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important shipping routes for global energy transport.

Before the conflict, approximately 20% of the world's oil passed through the region. Any disruption to shipping traffic can directly affect energy prices and influence international financial markets.

Despite this context, the Nikkei 225 index advanced 2,94%, extending the gains seen at the start of the session. The Topix also showed strong appreciation, closing 2,14% higher.

In mainland China, the CSI 300 rose 1,52%, indicating greater risk appetite among local investors. In contrast, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 1,73%, diverging from the performance seen in other regional stock exchanges.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 gained 0,82%, even after the release of economic growth figures below projections. The country's Gross Domestic Product advanced 2,5% in the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2025, falling slightly short of the expected 2,6%.

Among the factors that limited Australian economic expansion are reduced household spending, lower government consumption, and climate impacts on mining activity.

In India, sentiment was more cautious. The Nifty 50 fell 0,78%, while the BSE Sensex recorded a loss of 0,85%.

In the commodities market, oil continued to rise. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures advanced 1%, reaching US$94,70 per barrel. Brent crude rose 0,92%, trading near US$96,88 per barrel.

In the United States, futures contracts for major stock indices were trading near stability after the S&P 500 surpassed the 7.600-point mark for the first time in the previous session. The Dow Jones also closed higher, while the Nasdaq Composite registered a slight increase.