Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears

Apr 01, 2026 03:39 am UTC| Economy

Oil prices remained elevated during Asian trading on Wednesday as markets processed mixed signals surrounding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Brent crude futures for June climbed 0.5% to $104.47 per barrel, while West...

Asian Stocks Surge on Trump's Iran War Comments and Dip-Buying

Apr 01, 2026 03:34 am UTC| Economy

Asian equity markets posted strong gains on Wednesday, driven by U.S. President Donald Trumps remarks signaling a potential end to military operations against Iran within two to three weeks. Renewed investor optimism,...

Japan Business Sentiment Rises as Iran War Fuels Inflation Fears, BOJ Rate Hike Looms

Apr 01, 2026 03:28 am UTC| Economy

Japans corporate confidence strengthened for the fourth consecutive quarter through March 2026, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) may raise interest rates as early as this month. However, mounting...

Japan's Business Confidence Rises Despite Iran War Uncertainty, BOJ Rate Hike Expected

Apr 01, 2026 01:04 am UTC| Economy

Japans large manufacturers reported improved business sentiment in the three months to March, according to the Bank of Japans closely watched Tankan survey released Wednesday. The headline index for big manufacturers...

South Korea Manufacturing PMI Hits 4-Year High in March 2025 Driven by Semiconductor Demand

Apr 01, 2026 01:01 am UTC| Economy

South Koreas manufacturing sector delivered a standout performance in March, with factory activity accelerating to its strongest level in over four years. Data from SP Globals Purchasing Managers Index showed a reading of...

Gold Prices Rebound But Head for Worst Month Since 2008 Amid Iran War Uncertainty

Apr 01, 2026 00:59 am UTC| Economy

Gold prices climbed on Tuesday as investors returned to safe-haven assets during a brief equity market rally, though the precious metal remained on course for its steepest monthly decline in nearly 17 and a half years....

Oil Prices Climb as Middle East Conflict Keeps Supply Risks Elevated

Apr 01, 2026 00:57 am UTC| Economy

Oil prices edged higher in early Wednesday trading as ongoing Middle East instability continued to rattle energy markets, even as diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran showed tentative signs of progress. Brent crude...