Pacific Markets

• Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday as investors reacted to recent U.S. military actions in Iran and potential ceasefire talks. • Stocks in Japan and South Korea initially hit record highs before paring gains as traders weighed geopolitical tensions against the possibility of a U.S.-Iran deal. • Market sentiment was partially bolstered by strong performance in U.S. technology stocks, which pushed Wall Street indexes to record closing levels.

• 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.

• Asia-Pacific markets traded higher, with notable gains including South Korea's Kosdaq (over 3%), Kospi (0.52%), Hong Kong's Hang Seng (0.66%), and China's CSI 300 (0.78%). • Investors are reacting to diplomatic efforts regarding a U.S.-Iran peace deal, though tensions remain as Tehran intends to keep its enriched uranium stockpile domestically. • Economic data showed core inflation dropped to 1.4%, falling below both the previous March reading of 1.8% and the 1.7% forecast by Reuters economists.