S&P 500 — US Large Cap Index
FTSE 100 — UK Blue Chips
Euro Stoxx 50 — Eurozone Leaders
DAX 40 — German Equities
CAC 40 — French Market Index
Nikkei 225 — Japan Benchmark
Hang Seng — Hong Kong Index
Shanghai Composite — China Mainland
ASX 200 — Australian Market
TSX Composite — Canada Index
Nifty 50 — India Large Cap
STI Index — Singapore Market
KOSPI — South Korea Index
Bovespa — Brazil Equities
JSE Top 40 — South Africa Index
IPC Index — Mexico MarketAsian equity markets were set to close the week with solid gains, supported by optimism that the US-Iran ceasefire will hold and potentially pave the way for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The prospect of improved shipping conditions has bolstered risk sentiment across global markets and allayed fears about inflation and rate hikes. Investors are now focused on diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. However, caution persisted amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and continued restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which could complicate negotiations. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s KOSPI Composite index were on track to rise more than 7% and 9%, respectively, for the week. Benchmark indices in Australia, China, and Hong Kong also headed for strong weekly advances.
