New Delhi, March 4 -- Asia remains the most vulnerable region globally to sustained increases in oil prices due to its heavy reliance on imported energy and high trade openness, asserted a report by Invesco headlined 'Middle East Tensions - Impact on Asia.'

A prolonged geopolitical shock that disrupts Gulf exports could materially influence the region's macro outlook, it has asserted.

"A sustained move higher in oil prices would be negative for stocks, including Asian stocks," it said.

Conversely, if the conflict ends relatively quickly, any negative impact on stocks will likely be short-lived.

"Asia remains the most vulnerable region globally to sustained increases in oil prices due to its heavy reliance on imported energy and high t...