U.S. Sanctions Target Chinese Refinery Over Iranian Oil Purchases 
Gold Prices Edge Higher on Weak Dollar but Face Weekly Loss Amid Oil-Driven Inflation Fears 
Brazil Pension Fund Crackdown After Banco Master Collapse Raises Investment Concerns 
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Hits Record Low as Iran Conflict Fuels Inflation Concerns 
Gold Prices Rise Slightly but Head for Weekly Loss Amid Oil Surge and Inflation Fears 
U.S. and EU Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce China Dependence 
U.S.-Iran Conflict Stalls as Diplomatic Efforts Collapse and Global Oil Tensions Rise 
Iran-Pakistan Diplomacy and Strait of Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Prices Above $100 
US Dollar Weakens as Iran Talks Boost Risk Appetite in Forex Market 
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Supply Concerns 
US Stock Futures Steady as Oil Prices Surge and Big Tech Earnings Loom 
Brazil Current Account Deficit Widens in March as FDI Misses Expectations 
Chip Stocks Rally on AI Optimism as Oil Price Surge Adds Market Tension 
Araqchi Leads Iran’s Diplomatic Push as U.S. Talks and Oil Market Tensions Rise 
Dollar Holds Firm as Middle East Tensions and Central Bank Decisions Keep Markets on Edge 
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.
