Stocks sag in Asia, Brent crude heading for record month

Stock markets slid in Asia today as investors dug in for a protracted Gulf conflict that already has oil prices heading for a record monthly rise, bringing a spike in inflation and the risk of recession to much of the globe. Pakistan said it was preparing to host “meaningful talks” to end the conflict over Iran in coming days, even though Tehran accused Washington of preparing a land assault as the US military builds up forces in the region. The Financial Times late on Sunday quoted President Donald Trump saying the US could seize Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf,…