Mark Iran

• Asia-Pacific markets are opening higher following a drop in WTI crude oil prices, which fell by more than $4 per barrel. • The decline in oil prices comes after President Donald Trump indicated that peace talks between the US and Iran are progressing in an orderly fashion. • Global risk appetite has increased, contributing to Bitcoin's price surge as it nears the $82,000 mark.

• Asia-Pacific stock markets rallied, highlighted by Japan's Nikkei index surpassing the 65,000 mark for the first time. • The surge was driven by investor optimism surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations and a corresponding decline in global oil prices. • Trading activity remained light across the region as financial markets in South Korea and Hong Kong were closed for public holidays.

• Japan's Nikkei share average surged past the 65,000 mark for the first time on Monday. • The rally was driven by increased demand for risk assets following optimism regarding potential deals to end the war in Iran. • This milestone reflects a significant boost in investor confidence and market sentiment toward Japanese equities.

• Indian stock markets showed a tepid start on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the Sensex down 95 points at pre-open and GIFT Nifty trading lower at 24,035. • The market downturn follows news that the US launched fresh strikes in southern Iran to protect US troops, despite ongoing peace negotiations. • This escalation in US-Iran tensions has dampened global risk sentiment, though South Korea’s Kospi managed to reach a new high amid the uncertainty.

• Asian stock markets climbed on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei jumping over 3% following optimism surrounding US-Iran peace talks. • Oil prices plunged as investors anticipated a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. • Market activity was limited in some regions, as trading remained closed in South Korea and Hong Kong for Buddha’s birthday holidays.

• Asian markets surged on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 breaching the 64,000 mark for the first time and Taiwan's Taiex hitting an all-time high above 43,000. • The rally was driven by a sharp decline in oil prices, which boosted risk sentiment across the region despite holiday-thinned trading. • Other gains included India's Nifty 50 rising 1.09%, China's CSI 300 adding 0.91%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 climbing 0.45%.

Global prices are approaching a tipping point that could trigger inflation, shortages and, over time, recessionIf a US-Iran deal is about to be reached, three months on from the launch of Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury, it will not be a day too soon for oil markets, which are approaching a dangerous tipping point.The cost of a barrel of crude on the spot market – for immediate purchase, effectively – has bounced about $100 since Iran predictably responded to the onslaught from the US and Israel by closing the strait of Hormuz. Continue reading...