Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.60%, Shanghai Composite up 0.39%, Hang Seng up 1.48% ASX up 0.72%
- Commodities : Gold at $5,164.46 (1.20%) Silver at $88.230 (4.40%), Brent Oil at $94.94 (-4.04%), WTI Oil at $91.07 (-3.96%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.210, UK 10-year yield at 4.6540, Germany 10-year yield at 2.8649
News & Data:
- (JPY) Leading Indicators 112.4% to 113.0% expected
Markets Update:
Asian stock markets traded mostly higher on Tuesday, supported by positive cues from Wall Street overnight and easing geopolitical concerns. Investor sentiment improved after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. conflict with Iran could end soon, stating that Iranian forces had lost much of their naval, communication, and air capabilities. Reports also indicated that the U.S. may consider taking control of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure smooth crude oil tanker movement. Asian markets had ended mostly lower on Monday.
Australia’s stock market rebounded strongly after two sessions of losses. The S&P/ASX 200 rose above the 8,700 level, driven by gains in mining and energy stocks. Major miners such as BHP Group, Mineral Resources, and Rio Tinto advanced, while Fortescue remained flat. Technology stocks including Block, Zip, Appen, WiseTech Global, and Xero posted moderate gains. Gold miners were mostly higher, with Resolute Mining, Genesis Minerals, and Evolution Mining rising. Australia’s major banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and National Australia Bank—also gained. Meanwhile, oil stocks declined, with Origin Energy, Santos, Woodside Energy, and Beach Energy posting losses. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index rose 1.2 percent in March, and the Australian dollar traded near $0.707.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 3 percent, led by technology and export stocks. Companies such as SoftBank, Fast Retailing, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest recorded strong gains. Economic data showed Japan’s GDP and wage growth improving, though household spending declined. Other Asian markets, including South Korea and Taiwan, also posted solid gains.
Upcoming Events:
- 11:50 PM GMT – JPY Final GDP q/q
