Financial markets worldwide experienced dramatic shifts following President Donald Trump’s national television address Wednesday evening, where he declared the United States would continue aggressive military action against Iran.
During his first televised speech since military operations began, Trump stated the U.S. would “finish the job” in Iran as “core strategic objectives are nearing completion,” suggesting the conflict could conclude in the near future.
The president’s remarks immediately impacted global energy markets, with oil prices climbing sharply. International benchmark Brent crude surged 5% to reach $106.22 per barrel, while domestic crude prices increased 4.2% to $104.36 per barrel.
Asian financial markets opened Thursday with significant losses across major indices. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.4% to 53,004.81, while South Korea’s Kospi experienced a steeper decline of 3.4% to 5,292.36. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.8% to 25,082.59.
American market futures also pointed to continued volatility, with contracts down more than 0.9% ahead of Thursday’s opening bell.
Notably absent from Trump’s address was any reference to his previous ultimatum regarding Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping channel for global energy transport. The president also did not outline specific measures to address ongoing supply chain disruptions that have contributed to rising energy costs.
Gold prices moved in the opposite direction, falling 2% to $4,718.90 per ounce as investors adjusted their portfolios.
Wednesday’s domestic trading session had shown positive momentum before Trump’s evening remarks, with renewed speculation about a potential conflict resolution. The S&P 500 gained 0.7% to close at 6,575.32, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.5% to 46,565.74, and the technology-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1.2% to 21,840.95.
This optimism followed Trump’s Tuesday comments suggesting military operations could conclude within two to three weeks.
