Asian stocks today, July 22 -- Asian markets advanced for a second straight session on Wednesday, led by continued gains in semiconductor stocks. The rally came even as crude oil prices climbed after renewed tensions in West Asia following the latest escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran.

South Korea led regional gains, with the Kospi surging around 6%, while the Kosdaq advanced 2%.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.34%, while the broader Topix index was largely unchanged. Meanwhile, Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 edged 0.12% higher.

Brent crude gained 0.6% to trade at $91.55 per barrel after two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia turned back in the Red Sea on Tuesday following threats of attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Ho...