Hong Kong, April 15 (CNA) U.S. President Trump said today that a second round of talks between the United United States and Iran could take place "within the next two days," boosting investor hopes for an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore oil flow, leading to a rise in Asian stock markets and a further decline in oil prices.

Agence France-Presse reported that news of Israel and Lebanon agreeing to direct talks also lifted market sentiment, with investors optimistic about an end to the conflict, which is a major sticking point in the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

After talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, broke down over the weekend, Trump told the New York Post that a new round of negotiations could be imminent, despite continued U.S. blockades of Iranian ports.

All three major Wall Street indices rose, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both returning to pre-war highs, followed by gains in Asian stock markets.

Oil prices fell further today after West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude plunged about 8% and Brent Crude fell more than 4% in the previous trading session.

Fiona Cincotta, an analyst at City Index, pointed out: "Continued pressure and hopes for diplomatic negotiations have pushed oil prices below $100 a barrel, with U.S. Treasury yields falling in tandem, driving up stock markets and highlighting the market's high sensitivity to regional developments. A credible diplomatic exit mechanism could further boost risk appetite."

Japan's benchmark Nikkei index closed up 0.4% today at 58134.24 points. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index closed up 0.3% at 25947.32 points. The Shanghai Composite Index closed flat at 4027.21 points.

As for other Asian stock markets, Taipei, Seoul, Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, Manila stock markets closed higher. Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta stock markets closed lower. (Compiler: He Hong-ru) 1150415

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