AFP reported that crude oil futures soared at the start of the week after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian civilian facilities and demanded that Tehran accept his proposed terms for an agreement to reopen shipping in the Persian Gulf.

However, prices fluctuated during the session, and by afternoon, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.7% to $110.75 per barrel, while North Sea Brent crude rose slightly by 0.2% to $109.20 per barrel.

Analysts stated that investor sentiment stabilized after Axios reported that the United States and Iran were discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire with regional mediators.

Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management wrote that "the market is starting to get interested in the idea of a 'peace dividend'," though he added that this was merely "a temporary recalibration."

Bloomberg MLIV strategist Mark Cranfield stated that the market's reaction to the related reports "shows investors' eagerness for a de-escalation of the conflict in Iran," adding that "should President Trump dismiss hopes for a ceasefire in a speech later today, this optimism would reverse."

The Tokyo stock market closed up 0.6%, while the Seoul stock market rose 1.4%. Among other Asian markets not closed today, Singapore's stock market gained 0.4%, but Jakarta's stock market fell 0.5%. (Translator: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150406

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: financial