Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.16%, Shanghai Composite down 0.84% Hang Seng up 0.45% ASX down 0.40%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,565.75 (-0.87%) Silver at $76.963 (-1.83%), Brent Oil at $95.25 (1.96%), WTI Oil at $91.83 (1.68%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.506, UK 10-year yield at 4.9060, Germany 10-year yield at 2.9489
News & Data:
- (GBP) BRC Shop Price Index y/y 1.2% to 1.1% expected
Markets Update:
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Tuesday as investors assessed renewed optimism surrounding U.S.-Iran peace talks, while South Korea’s benchmark index surged to a record high after reopening from a public holiday.
South Korea’s Kospi climbed to an all-time high of 8,094.90 in early trading, supported by stronger investor sentiment and hopes that diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran could ease geopolitical tensions. The small-cap Kosdaq also advanced 1.34%.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely,” though he cautioned that the U.S. could resume military action if talks collapse.
Oil prices showed mixed movement following Trump’s remarks. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for July delivery dropped 5.24% to $91.54 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent crude gained 1.80% to $97.87.
Despite optimism, tensions in the Middle East remained elevated. U.S. Central Command said it carried out “self-defense strikes” against Iranian missile launch sites and vessels allegedly attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz.
Elsewhere, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.32% after hitting the 65,000 mark for the first time Monday, while Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.38%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.45%, while India’s Sensex declined 0.35%.
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The post Tuesday 26th May 2026: Asia Markets Mixed as South Korea’s Kospi Hits Record High on Iran Peace Hopes first appeared on IC Your Trading Edge | Official Blog.