Asian Stocks Surge on Trump Conflict Outlook, Oil Drop

Asian stock markets surged on Tuesday, rebounding from sharp losses the previous day as oil prices tumbled following U.S. President Donald Trump's optimistic assessment that the ongoing Middle East conflict could soon end. The rally came amid heightened tensions in Iran, where officials signaled continued defiance, leaving investors cautious despite the temporary relief.

Trading in Singapore on March 10 opened with broad gains across the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 index climbed 3.6 percent, while South Korea's Kospi index jumped 6 percent, prompting the Korea Exchange to activate a temporary trading curb after futures rose more than 5 percent. The broader MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 2.6 percent, recovering some ground lost since the conflict intensified. Singapore's Straits Times Index added 1.6 percent, and Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Composite Index gained 1.1 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index and Taiwan's Taiex also posted advances, though more modest at around 3 percent and 5 percent rebounds from Monday's declines.

The turnaround followed a turbulent Monday session, when escalating hostilities in Iran drove a wave of selling. South Korea's benchmark fell 8...