Asian markets broadly fell: The Hang Seng Index dropped 3.03% to a four-month low, and the Hang Seng Tech Index fell 5%; Brent crude rose 3.2% to $112.27, due to AI concerns and heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Asian regional markets broadly fell on Thursday, impacted by AI-related concerns and escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which also sent oil prices jumping. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index closed down 717 points, or 3.03%, at 22,934, a new four-month low; the Hang Seng Tech Index plunged 5% to 3,793. Dickie Wong, Executive Director of Research at uSmart Securities, stated that market sentiment has completely shifted, particularly due to concerns over escalating US-China tensions, a weakening Hong Kong dollar, and regulatory pressure on AI and tech stocks. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index closed down 1.48% at 3,658, the Shenzhen Component Index fell 2.97% to 11,357, and the ChiNext Index dropped 4.37% to 2,576. Japan's Nikkei Index tumbled 2.65% to 62,907, and South Korea's Kospi Index closed down 3.52% to 5,533.

Meanwhile, international oil prices rose after Iran's state television reported that seven oil tankers caught fire and were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose 3.2% to $112.27 per barrel, and the US benchmark crude increased 2.8% to $99.80 per barrel.