On Monday (22 June, 9:30 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), most major indices in the Asia Pacific displayed an upward trend amid diplomatic discussions in Switzerland between U.S. and Iranian representatives.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran advanced toward a potential final agreement within 60 days, with both sides agreeing to set up a committee focused on resolving hostilities in Lebanon. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan stated that the Lake Lucerne Summit produced constructive discussions and outlined a structure for ongoing technical negotiations.
Following a memorandum of understanding signed the previous week, the parties will form a High Level Committee to oversee mediation efforts, with chief negotiators tasked to report to this body and manage working groups on nuclear issues, sanctions, and dispute resolution.
On another front, investors kept a close eye on China’s commercial bank lending rates. The People’s Bank of China maintained its benchmark lending rates for a thirteenth straight month in June, meeting market expectations. The one-year loan prime rate remained steady at 3.00%, while the five-year rate held at 3.50%.
Japan’s NIKKEI jumped by 1.95% to 72,639.96. South Korea’s KOSPI soared by 1.66% to 9,202.43, and Australia’s ASX 200 climbed by 0.09% to 8,836.70.
As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC slid by 0.21% to 4,082.01. Hong Kong’s HSI declined by 1.64% to 23,532.55, while Shenzhen’s SZI added 0.38% to 16,091.76.
The U.S. stock markets were closed on Friday for a public holiday.
As for commodities, oil prices decreased on Monday amid diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Iran. Brent futures contracted $1.25, or 1.55%, to $79.32 per barrel, and the WTI futures lost 27 cents, or 0.35%, to $76.33 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures fell by 0.96% to $4,205.20 per Troy ounce.
