On Tuesday morning (17 June, 9:22 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), most indices in Asia Pacific increased, buoyed by growing optimism that tensions between Israel and Iran may not escalate further, following indications from Tehran of a potential openness to diplomatic engagement, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Meanwhile, traders are also closely monitoring the Bank of Japan as it prepares to wrap up its two-day policy meeting. The central bank is widely anticipated to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, opting for a wait-and-see approach amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
Japan’s NIKKEI rose by 0.63% to 38,550.96. South Korea’s KOSPI grew by 0.95% to 2,974.53, and Australia’s ASX 200 surged by 0.13% to 8,559.6.
As for stocks in China, Shenzhen’s SZI added by 0.21% to 10,185.04. Hong Kong’s HSI climbed by 0.01% to 24,062.78, while Shanghai’s SSEC slid by 0.07% to 3,386.26.
The U.S. stock markets edged up on Monday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) escalated by 0.75% to 42,515.09. NASDAQ jumped by 1.52% to 19,701.21, and S&P 500 expanded by 0.94% to 6,033.11. VIX slumped by 8.21% to 19.11.
As for commodities, oil prices settled lower on Monday as fresh reports emerged suggesting Iran is pursuing a de-escalation of hostilities with Israel. The prospect of a possible ceasefire has tempered concerns over potential supply interruptions from the Middle East, soothing market nerves and exerting downward pressure on prices. Brent futures declined $1 or 1.35% to $73.23 a barrel, and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $1.21 or 1.66% to $71.77 per barrel.
This morning, Brent futures advanced 72 cents or 0.98% to $73.95 a barrel, and the WTI futures gained 86 cents or 1.2% to $72.63 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures dipped 0.07% to $3,414.9 per Troy ounce.
