US Dollar Weakens as Iran Talks Boost Risk Appetite in Forex Market 
U.S. and EU Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce China Dependence 
Brazil Current Account Deficit Widens in March as FDI Misses Expectations 
U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Oil Markets 
Global PCB Prices Surge Amid Middle East Conflict and Supply Chain Disruptions 
Trump Urges Iran to Call for Talks as War Stalemate Disrupts Oil Markets 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Tensions Despite Strait of Hormuz Disruptions 
Canadian Dollar Outlook: Resilient Performance Driven by Oil Prices and Market Dynamics 
Wall Street Hits Record High as Tech Stocks Surge Amid U.S.-Iran Developments 
U.S.-Iran Conflict Stalls as Diplomatic Efforts Collapse and Global Oil Tensions Rise 
Asian Currencies Rise Ahead of BOJ and Fed Meetings as Dollar Softens 
Japan Inflation Rises in March Amid Energy Price Surge and Middle East Tensions 
Indonesia Fiscal Deficit Outlook: Fitch Signals Flexibility Amid Middle East War Risks 
Iran-Pakistan Diplomacy and Strait of Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Prices Above $100 
Gold Prices Edge Higher on Weak Dollar but Face Weekly Loss Amid Oil-Driven Inflation Fears 
Chip Stocks Rally on AI Optimism as Oil Price Surge Adds Market Tension 
Brazil Pension Fund Crackdown After Banco Master Collapse Raises Investment Concerns 
Asian stock markets opened the week on a positive note, with major indices in Japan and South Korea reaching record highs, supported by strong momentum from U.S. equities. However, gains across the region were tempered by rising oil prices and ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Investor sentiment was boosted after Wall Street posted fresh records, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 closing at all-time highs. This strong U.S. performance fueled demand for technology and AI-related stocks in Asia, particularly semiconductor companies. U.S. stock futures remained largely unchanged during Monday’s Asian trading session, reflecting cautious optimism ahead of key economic events.
South Korea’s KOSPI index surged 2.3% to hit a new record, driven by robust gains in major chipmakers. SK Hynix shares jumped more than 6%, reaching an all-time high, while Samsung Electronics advanced 2.5%. The KOSPI has climbed nearly 5% in the past week, supported by strong semiconductor earnings and continued growth in artificial intelligence technologies.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 also reached a historic peak, rising up to 1.6%, while the broader TOPIX index gained 0.7%. Market participants are closely watching the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, where the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at 0.75%. Investors are particularly focused on forward guidance, with speculation growing around a potential rate hike in the coming months due to persistent inflation pressures.
Despite the bullish equity performance, concerns over global oil supply weighed on broader market sentiment. Brent crude prices remained elevated above $107 per barrel as U.S.-Iran talks stalled and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz raised supply risks. Geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics, adding uncertainty to the outlook.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets showed mixed performance. China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index remained flat, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index declined 0.5% and Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.2%. India’s Nifty 50 futures posted modest gains, reflecting cautious optimism.
Overall, Asian markets remain supported by strong global cues and tech sector growth, but rising oil prices and geopolitical risks continue to cap broader gains.
