Asian equities opened lower as concerns over AI financing outweighed support from retreating oil prices. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1.2%, South Korea's KOSPI was down 0.8% and Taiwan's weighted index fell 1.5%. ANZ said the oil pullback may be temporary. The G7's accelerated release of crude and diesel reserves is seen as coming too late and largely priced in, limiting any upside.

2026-10-19

Asian equities opened lower as concerns over AI financing outweighed support from retreating oil prices. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1.2%, South Korea's KOSPI was down 0.8% and Taiwan's weighted index fell 1.5%. ANZ said the oil pullback may be temporary. The G7's accelerated release of crude and diesel reserves is seen as coming too late and largely priced in, limiting any upside.