US equity markets closed lower overnight as investors locked in gains following a recent rally, capping a session defined by cautious risk appetite.
The pullback reflects a broader shift in global sentiment, where profit-taking in American markets has coincided with renewed uncertainty stemming from developments in the Middle East.
Asian markets opened in mixed fashion, with the Nikkei 225 and Korea’s Kospi reflecting the divergent global cues.
While some regional indices attempted to hold ground, the overarching tone remained subdued as traders weighed the impact of geopolitical friction against domestic economic data.
The mixed performance across Asia underscores the fragmented nature of current risk sentiment, where regional strengths are being offset by broader macroeconomic caution.
In India, pre-market indicators point to a flat opening for domestic benchmarks on Friday.