Hong Kong, April 14
Asian stock markets advanced on Tuesday following gains on Wall Street, while oil prices declined amid growing expectations of a second round of talks between the United States and Iran to ease tensions in West Asia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 2.4 per cent and South Korea’s Kospi gained 3.4 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite also moved higher, even as China reported weaker than expected export growth of 2.5 per cent for March.
Market sentiment remained supported by hopes of diplomatic progress in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicated that both sides may consider fresh negotiations before a temporary ceasefire expires next week. The United States has stepped up pressure with a blockade of Iranian ports, while President Donald Trump signalled willingness for dialogue, saying, “I can tell you that we have been called by the other side.” Oil prices eased after recent gains. Brent crude fell 1.3 per cent to 98.12 dollars per barrel, while US crude declined 2.2 per cent to 96.92 dollars per barrel.
On Wall Street, major indices closed higher on Monday, with the S and P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite posting gains. Gold and silver prices also rose, while the US dollar weakened slightly against the yen and euro. The developments reflect cautious optimism in global markets, though uncertainty persists as geopolitical tensions continue to influence energy prices and investor sentiment.
