AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
Asian stocks rise as U.S. President Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire
Australian shares open higher with gains across energy and financials
Oil prices ease as market expectations adjust following Middle East developments
Equities across the Asia-Pacific region recorded gains after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The ceasefire, which followed a limited Iranian missile retaliation against U.S. military installations, was set to take effect by midnight Eastern Time, according to the announcement.
Despite continued uncertainty surrounding the timeline and confirmation from Israeli officials, market sentiment across the region reflected a renewed sense of calm. The ASX 200 participated in the upswing, supported by stronger performances in financials, energy, and select commodities-linked sectors.
Australian Shares Join Global Upside as Geopolitical Tensions Cool
The local share market followed global leads in early trade, with upward momentum extending across several key indices. Energy names showed strength following earlier volatility, while broader market sentiment was buoyed by reduced tensions in the Middle East.
Uranium and lithium stocks were among the top movers on the board, adding to the sector-wide momentum. The upward shift also came despite lingering concerns around the ASX Ltd’s regulatory environment and macroeconomic risks associated with broader global uncertainty.
Oil Retreats as Middle East Supply Disruption Fears Subside
Crude oil prices fell in global trading sessions as market focus shifted away from supply disruption concerns. Initial spikes in prices following U.S. military actions were largely reversed, with benchmark contracts moving lower after the ceasefire statement.
The decline in oil prices was attributed to easing fears of supply chain interference in the Strait of Hormuz. The fall has potential downstream implications for inflation and shipping, with global markets now recalibrating expectations based on reduced geopolitical tension.
Wall Street Reacts Positively Despite Uncertainty
U.S. equity futures advanced on the back of global diplomatic developments and remarks from a Federal Reserve official suggesting openness to interest rate adjustments. Comments reinforced market hopes of easing monetary policy, contingent on inflationary conditions remaining stable.
Key benchmarks, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq, maintained upward trajectories. Select tech and automotive names contributed to the momentum, with one electric vehicle company seeing outsized gains after launching a pilot program for autonomous taxis in Texas.
Market Watch Turns to Fed Chair Powell's Congressional Testimony
Investor attention remains focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell scheduled to deliver testimony to Congress. His remarks are anticipated to shed light on the central bank’s approach to future rate decisions, especially in the context of recent economic and geopolitical developments.
Bond yields pulled back in response to dovish commentary, further supporting equity valuations globally. The reaction underscored market sensitivity to monetary cues amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical and fiscal landscape.
