Mideast uncertainty keeps pressure on equitiesRECAP: Asian shares remained under pressure yesterday amid dimming hopes for a swift end to the Middle East conflict, though reports that Oman and Iran were drafting terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz offered some respite. Brokerage firms were net buyers of 4.41 billion baht, followed by foreign investors at 1.24 billion. Institutional investors were net sellers of 3.02 billion baht, followed by retail investors at 2.53 billion. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said he sees US inflation expectations as grounded despite rising energy prices, so higher interest rates are not needed yet. Europe could face recession ‌if the Iran conflict drags on and oil prices jump over $150 per barrel, ECB ‌policymaker Yannis Stournaras said on Wednesday.

Source: Bangkok Post April 04, 2026 13:33 UTC