On Thursday (16 April, 9:26 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), most major indices in the Asia Pacific exhibited an upward trend, reflecting a strong performance in U.S. markets as hopes rose for progress toward a U.S.-Iran agreement, with market participants moving back into equities following recent risk aversion.
Upward movement in Asian stocks followed comments from President Donald Trump, who stated in a Wednesday interview that the conflict with Iran may be nearing its conclusion, emphasizing Tehran’s interest in reaching an accord. Meanwhile, a White House official indicated ongoing discussions for a potential second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations, though no firm dates have been set.
Market sentiment has improved on expectations that a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could be extended beyond its scheduled end on Tuesday. According to an individual familiar with the matters, extending the truce by another two weeks is under consideration to provide additional time for peace negotiations. Mediators are reportedly arranging technical discussions aimed at resolving key disputes, including access through the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.
In addition to geopolitical developments, investors are also turning their attention to China’s first-quarter GDP release, which expanded by 5% in the first quarter, with elevated export activity helping to counter subdued consumer demand. Growth accelerated from 4.5% in the previous quarter, surpassing the 4.8% projected by economists.
Earlier this year, authorities set a growth target between 4.5% and 5%, signaling caution amid ongoing softness in domestic spending and continued trade friction with the United States.
Japan’s NIKKEI rose by 2.25% to 59,439.42. South Korea’s KOSPI grew by 2.20% to 6,225.25, while Australia’s ASX 200 slid by 0.21% to 8,960.10.
As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC increased by 0.41% to 4,043.84. Shenzhen’s SZI added 1.45% to 14,708.05, and Hong Kong’s HSI advanced by 0.91% to 26,184.06.
The U.S. stock markets edged up on Wednesday as NASDAQ jumped by 1.60% to 24,016.01. S&P 500 gained 0.80% to 7,022.95, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped by 0.15% to 48,463.72. VIX contracted by 1.03% to 18.17.
As for commodities, oil prices were largely unchanged on Wednesday due to persistent concerns regarding potential supply interruptions, despite remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a possible near-term resolution to the conflict with Iran. Brent crude finished the session up 14 cents at $94.93 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) saw a marginal increase of one cent, settling at $91.29.
This morning, Brent futures surged 20 cents or 0.21% to $95.13 per barrel, and the WTI futures expanded 31 cents or 0.34% to $91.60 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures escalated by 0.40% to $4,842.80 per Troy ounce.
