Asian Equities Rise Amid Middle East Tensions, Oil Prices, and Market Volatility

Asian shares rose as investors cautiously traded amidst Middle East tensions, with South Korea's KOSPI index jumping 4% and Taiwan's stocks reversing course to end down 0.3%. The broader MSCI EM Asia equities index remained up 2%, with gains tempered by mixed moves in tech-heavy markets. Crude's rebound above $100 a barrel renewed concern over the region's vulnerability to price swings, with many Asian economies heavily reliant on imported oil.