On April 20, Asian markets displayed a mixed performance as investors reacted to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. South Korea’s Kospi rose by 0.27%, while the small-cap Kosdaq fell by 0.52%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced by 0.62%, and the Topix climbed 0.68%. Conversely, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped by 0.39%. The GIFT Nifty index also showed positive movement, up nearly 57 points to 24,477. The cautious optimism in the markets was overshadowed by reports of the Strait of Hormuz being closed again, raising concerns about crude oil supply disruptions and inflation. This situation follows a US Navy operation that disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, marking a significant escalation in tensions. Meanwhile, US stock futures indicated a downward trend, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average expected to drop by 425 points. The mixed global sentiment reflects ongoing uncertainties in the geopolitical landscape.