JSE:SBK 29 April 2026

May 12, 2026, 6:29 PM EDT. Asia's economy is splitting into two contrasting realities amid a global energy crunch triggered by the Iran war. Tech-driven powerhouses like South Korea and Taiwan see record corporate profits and surging stock markets, fueled by booming semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors. Meanwhile, countries reliant on traditional manufacturing, such as India and the Philippines, confront fuel scarcity and soaring costs that slow growth and heighten inflationary pressures. The crisis centers on disrupted crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices to four-year highs. Economists warn this growing divide threatens economic inequality, monetary policy, and political stability across Asia and beyond, spotlighting risks for global trade and development.