Stock markets in Tokyo and Seoul have seen some of the widest swings since the Middle East crisis started. (Photo: AFP)LONDON - Oil prices rallied and equities mostly dropped on Wednesday as traders assessed the latest developments affecting global markets as a result of the Middle East war. “Oil prices remain the main driver of market sentiment,” he added. Certain countries’ plans to release part of their strategic oil reserves “are undoubtedly part of a highly coordinated strategy”, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said on Wednesday. The German arms maker Rheinmetall, meanwhile, said that the Middle East war offered new business opportunities, especially for its air defence systems, as it forecast continued strong growth this year.

Source: Bangkok Post March 11, 2026 14:52 UTC