Mideast Risk Hits Stocks, BHP Profit Jumps

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific.

Asian bonds followed Treasuries lower as concerns over government finances mounted, while higher oil prices added to fears that inflation will quicken. Treasury 30-year yields rose to 5.32%, a level last seen in June 2007. Oil prices advanced as prospects for peace in the Middle East dimmed, reviving concern that prolonged geopolitical tensions will threaten supplies and keep energy costs elevated. Global benchmark Brent rose 0.3% to $91.10 a barrel after President Donald Trump said he wasn't interested in extending the expiring agreement with Iran and fighting flared anew in Lebanon. Bloomberg's Executive Editor for Asia Markets Paul Dobson breaks down the markets.

Plus - in earnings news,  BHP Group's full-year profit rose by almost a third, thanks to improved copper and iron ore prices that helped the world's largest miner beat forecasts, just as new boss Brandon Craig takes the helm. Craig, who started as chief executive officer in July, is focused on delivering a major pipeline of growth including expansions in South American and Australian copper — as well as its push into potash, a mineral used in fertilizer. BHP says it is targeting 3% to 4% copper equivalent growth per year up to 2035 — roughly double consensus expectations. Julia Lee, Investment Director at Shaw and Partners Asset Management spoke to Bloomberg TV host Paul Allen.

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