Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.23%, Shanghai Composite down 1.00% Hang Seng down 0.70% ASX down 1.06%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,670.85 (-0.18%) Silver at $72.272(-0.89%), Brent Oil at $109.63 (0.60%), WTI Oil at $111.17 (-0.29%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.356, UK 10-year yield at 4.8460, Germany 10-year yield at 3.0032
News & Data:
- (USD) Non-Farm Employment Change 178K to 65K expected
Markets Update:
Asian markets showed mixed movement on Monday as investors reacted cautiously to escalating tensions in the Middle East over the weekend. Stocks in Japan and South Korea advanced, while several other regional markets remained closed for public holidays.
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that American forces could begin targeting Iran’s power plants and civilian infrastructure starting Tuesday unless Tehran fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, previously carried roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies before conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran intensified on Feb. 28.
Trump also posted strong remarks on social media following the rescue of an American airman in Iran and later referred to a “Tuesday 8 p.m. Eastern Time” deadline. The White House clarified that the timeline relates to a proposed agreement with Iran. A military-related press conference at the Oval Office was also scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Iran rejected the ultimatum, stating the strait would reopen only after compensation for wartime damage. Meanwhile, Tehran continued strikes on economic targets in neighboring Gulf states, including Kuwait’s oil headquarters.
Oil markets reacted sharply. U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 2.57% to $114.11 per barrel, while Brent crude gained 2.62% to $111.65. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.62%, Topix added 0.23%, and South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.8%. However, Wall Street futures declined amid ongoing uncertainty .
Upcoming Events:
- 02:00 PM GMT – USD ISM Services PMI
