Asian markets end lower on Thursday

Asian markets ended lower on Thursday as Brent crude prices climbed above the $104 per barrel mark and bond yields in international markets remained elevated. Market sentiment was further dampened by a decline in technology stocks fuelled by concerns over a surge in AI-related corporate debt and negative cues from Wall Street overnight. Investors remained cautious after the US Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes confirmed that most officials expect another interest rate hike before the end of the year. Chinese market slipped after traders returned from the week-long Golden Week holiday. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei index dropped as investors booked profits following a rapid rally to a three-month high.