Asian stocks hit a six-week high as hopes for renewed US-Iran talks helped revive risk appetite
📌 Asian equities moved sharply higher on April 15, with MSCI Asia ex-Japan up 1.5% to its highest level in six weeks. The Nikkei, KOSPI, and Hang Seng all advanced, while Wall Street had already extended its rally earlier, leaving the S&P 500 just short of a record high and the Nasdaq on a 10-session winning streak.
💡 The main driver was growing optimism that the US and Iran could resume talks within days in Pakistan, after last weekend’s tensions raised concerns over oil supply through Hormuz. As war risk temporarily eased, Brent held around $95.77 a barrel and remained below $100, helping reduce inflation pressure across markets.
📊 The risk-on tone was also reflected in flows out of defensive assets, with the US dollar slipping near a six-week low. At the same time, softer-than-expected US inflation data and solid bank earnings continued to support the rebound in global equities.
⚠️ Even so, the rally still depends heavily on real diplomatic progress. Iran has not confirmed a new talks schedule, and the blockade remains in place, so markets could reverse quickly if this round of optimism fails to turn into concrete action.