Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.98%, Shanghai Composite down 0.07% Hang Seng down 0.65% ASX down 0.56%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,681.21 (-0.27%) Silver at $74.545 (-0.64%), Brent Oil at $102.70 (0.99%), WTI Oil at $97.50 (1.17%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.344, UK 10-year yield at 4.9730, Germany 10-year yield at 3.0360
News & Data:
- (GBP) BRC Shop Price Index y/y 1.0% to 1.4% expected
Markets Update:
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Tuesday as investors assessed progress in U.S.–Iran negotiations and their potential impact on global stability and energy supply. Reports indicated U.S. President Donald Trump met with his national security team to discuss Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, provided Washington lifts its blockade and ends the ongoing conflict. However, uncertainty remains over whether the U.S. administration will consider sanctions relief before a fully completed agreement.
Regional equities showed varied performance following recent record highs. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.49% after Monday’s milestone close, while the broader Topix edged up 0.23%. South Korea’s Kospi rose more than 1% to reach a fresh record, though the small-cap Kosdaq declined 0.92%. Japan’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.75% and raised inflation projections, citing supply risks linked to the Iran conflict.
Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.58%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 0.48% and mainland China’s CSI 300 dropped 0.22%. Shares of optical computing firm Lightelligence surged over 380% on their Hong Kong debut, while Contemporary Amperex Technology slid 7% following a major share offering.
U.S. futures edged higher after Wall Street’s mixed overnight session, as rising oil prices amid renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions limited gains despite fresh record highs in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite.
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