Asian stocks fall due to Fed comments and Middle East tensions, gold down, oil up.

From Nasdaq: 2025-06-19 04:34:00

Asian stocks closed mostly lower on Thursday due to a hawkish Federal Reserve commentary and ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions. The Fed’s economic projections showed higher unemployment and inflation due to tariff uncertainties. The U.S. administration provided no clarity on joining Israel’s offensive against Iran. Dollar strength pushed gold prices below $3,360/ounce, while oil prices rose 1% on fears of oil export disruption. Japanese markets fell with the Nikkei down 1.02% and Topix down 0.58%. Australian markets ended slightly lower with job market contraction. U.S. stocks closed mixed after the Fed’s decision to hold rates, with Nasdaq slightly up and Dow/S&P slightly down.



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