Asian Stock Markets Open Mixed, Investors Focus on Trump's Freedom Project in Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta, VIVA - Asian-Pacific stock markets varied at the opening of trading on Monday, 4 May 2026. South Korea’s market shone as stocks hit record highs following the highest monthly gain in April 2026.

Global sentiment is influenced by investors’ attitudes towards tensions between Iran and the United States (US). Specifically, after US President Donald Trump plans to reopen shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

On Sunday, 3 May 2025, Trump stated that forces are attempting to free ships stranded due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This statement, posted on Truth Social, is dubbed the “Freedom Project”.

This effort is scheduled to begin on Monday, 4 May 2026, Middle East time. The main focus is to remove civilian ships flagged by countries not affiliated with the conflict from the disputed waterway so they can freely continue sailing.

“US military support for Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain uncrewed platforms, and 15,000 service members,” said the US Central Command following Trump’s announcement.

According to CNBC International, South Korea’s Kospi index surged 163.36 points or 2.48 percent to 6,758.90 at the start of the trading session.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures were at 25,992, compared to the last close of the index at 25,776.53. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index was slightly lower.

Markets in Japan and China were closed for national holidays.

Fluctuations were also seen in the US stock market, Wall Street, on Friday, 1 May 2026. Two benchmark indices soared to intraday and all-time closing highs.

The S&P 500 rose 0.29 percent, followed by a jump in the Nasdaq Composite of 0.89 percent. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average bucked the trend, falling 152.87 points, or 0.31 percent.