On Tuesday (21 April, 9:31 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in the Asia Pacific traded mixed as investors monitored ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in the Middle East, while U.S.-Iran tensions remained unresolved.
Investors are focusing on whether upcoming talks might help de-escalate hostilities. Iran’s parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that the U.S. is attempting to manipulate negotiations into an act of capitulation or create grounds for further conflict, referencing actions taken by President Donald Trump. He indicated that Iran is unwilling to negotiate “under the shadow of threats” and revealed that preparations had been made to alter the situation on the ground if required.
These comments followed President Trump’s warning on Monday that military action would intensify if a new agreement with Tehran was not achieved before the ceasefire period ended Tuesday evening. Trump declared that should the truce lapse without a deal, the U.S. response would be severe.
Amid these developments, a U.S. delegation is preparing to travel back to Pakistan for renewed discussions. The previous round of talks in Islamabad concluded without an agreement.
Japan’s NIKKEI surged by 1.06% to 59,450.68. South Korea’s KOSPI increased by 1.80% to 6,330.75, while Australia’s ASX 200 declined by 0.17% to 8,938.30.
As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC slid by 0.31% to 4,069.27. Shenzhen’s SZI dropped by 0.88% to 14,835.00, while Hong Kong’s HSI climbed by 0.11% to 26,390.33.
The U.S. stock markets edged down on Monday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped by 0.01% to 49,442.56. NASDAQ lost 0.26% to 24,404.39, and S&P 500 fell by 0.24% to 7,109.14. VIX jumped by 7.95% to 18.87.
As for commodities, oil prices settled higher on Monday as escalating tensions near the Strait of Hormuz created uncertainty around upcoming discussions between the U.S. and Iran. Brent crude futures concluded the session at $95.48 per barrel, increasing by $5.10 or 5.64%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude ended the day at $89.61, gaining $5.76 or 6.87%.
Following the rally, the prices moved lower on Tuesday as investors anticipated that talks scheduled between the two countries could ease geopolitical tensions and potentially lead to increased oil supply from the Middle East. Brent futures decreased 54 cents or 0.57% to $94.94 per barrel, and the WTI futures slumped $1.11 or 1.24% to $88.50 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures shrank by 0.08% to $4,825.00 per Troy ounce.
