Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.35%, Shanghai Composite down 0.58% Hang Seng down 1.45% ASX down 0.17%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,540.50 (-1.00%) Silver at $71.805 (-1.14%), Brent Oil at $98.48 (1.27%), WTI Oil at $91.74 (1.55%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.355, UK 10-year yield at 4.8360, Germany 10-year yield at 2.9535
News & Data:
- (USD) Current Account -191B to -211B expected
Markets Update:
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday after Iran signaled it had no intention of holding direct talks with the United States, even as Tehran reviewed a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war, according to the country’s foreign minister. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the exchange of messages through mediators “does not mean negotiations with the U.S.,” emphasizing that communication channels remain indirect. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian state media reported that Tehran would reject Washington’s ceasefire offer and instead presented its own conditions for ending the conflict.
Thierry Wizman, global FX and rates strategist at Macquarie Group, said a ceasefire does not appear imminent. He suggested that military pressure from the U.S. could intensify over the next two weeks as Washington seeks concessions from Tehran, with significant developments possibly emerging by mid-April. Wizman added that the conflict may now enter a third phase characterized by simultaneous diplomatic engagement and continued military activity.
Regional markets reflected cautious sentiment. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was largely unchanged. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.28% and the Topix gained 0.43%, while South Korea’s Kospi declined 1.55% and the Kosdaq edged up 0.18%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index slipped 0.52%, and China’s CSI 300 opened flat. Oil prices remained stable, with WTI crude rising 0.72% to $91 per barrel. Overnight, U.S. markets closed higher across major indexes.
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