The Dow Jones Index is picking up 330 points or 0.72 percent on Wednesday. Gains are led by Amazon (2.50%), Amgen (1.79%) and Boeing (1.77%). Biggest losers are Walt Disney (-0.74%), Verizon (-0.63%) and Home Depot (-0.62%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.72% Higher

The Ibovespa climbed nearly 2% to trade above 185,000 on Wednesday after reports hinted at a possible ceasefire in the US-Israel war against Iran, raising hopes for resumed Persian Gulf oil exports. The news pulled down international oil prices, easing energy-driven inflation concerns. Major banks traded higher: Bradesco and Banco do Brasil both up about 2%. Utilities posted gains, with Axia and Sabesp advancing nearly 2%. Other notable performers included Vale up 1.9%, Rede D'Or up 2.7%, and WEG up 3%. In contrast, lower oil prices and easing supply pressures drove Petrobras down over 1%.

Ibovespa Climbs on Iran Ceasefire Hopes

The S&P/TSX Composite Index surged over 1.5% to above the 32,400 mark on Wednesday as optimism for a diplomatic resolution in the Middle East fueled a broad-based rally. Financials led the charge with Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Montreal gaining around 1% as falling bond yields and easing energy-driven inflation fears supported the credit outlook. Gold miners also outperformed as Agnico Eagle Mines jumped over 4% and Kinross soared 4.5% amid a softer US dollar and firm bullion prices. Tech sentiment improved with Shopify rising more than 3.5% while Dollarama climbed 1.8% following a CIBC upgrade to outperformer. In contrast energy producers faced pressure from a 6% drop in crude oil prices with Suncor Energy and Imperial Oil falling close to 1%.

TSX Builds Strong Momentum

US equity indices were higher on Wednesday, extending this week's rebound amid signs that US officials are aiming to de-escalate their conflict against Iran. The S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq 100 gained more than 1%. Energy commodities trimmed their surge from this month and Treasuries rebounded on reports that Washington drafted a plan to halt fighting in the Middle East, supporting a softer outlook for inflation despite Iran's hawkish response. The pullback in benchmark bond yields supported risk bidding in Wall Street, with all sectors of stock exchanges, barred energy producers, moving higher. Asset managers remained in the spotlight as market reassessed risks of higher redemption requests on private equity funds, with Apollo, Ares, and KKR moving higher. Tech giants also gained, with ARM jumping 10% after announcing it plans to sell its own chips, while AMD and Intel rose 5% each after planning price hikes.

US Stocks Extend Rebound

Indian stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday, aligned with a positive session for global equities as signs that the US aims to de-escalate its conflict with Iran lowered oil prices and India's inflation outlook. The S&P/BSE Sensex rose 1.6% to 75,264 and the NSE Nifty 50 jumped 1.7% to 23,306. Reports indicated that the US proposed terms for a ceasefire with Iran, reflecting their aim to reintroduce energy exports from the region on concerns that an oil supply crunch may raise inflationary pressures. Industrial conglomerates and banks, which are sensitive to benchmark borrowing costs, led the gains with Titan Company, UltraTech, Larsen and Toubro, and Bajaj Finance jumping more than 4%. In turn, tech resumed its slide following the poor session for AI companies in the US, with Tech Mahindra and TCS closing firmly in the red.

Indian Stocks Rebound

Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose on Wednesday, powered by hopes for resolving the month-old Iran conflict. Media reports indicated mediators from Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are arranging US-Iran talks by Thursday. Oil prices fell, easing energy-driven inflation concerns and lowering bond yields, which supported credit-sensitive sectors like Canadian banks. Lower energy prices could offer relief to central banks that have warned geopolitical tensions may revive inflation and complicate rate outlooks. Meanwhile, gold climbed on a softer US dollar, supporting miners. In other news, CIBC upgraded Dollarama to "outperformer" from "neutral," though it reduced the target price.

TSX Futures Rise on Iran Peace Talks Hopes

SASX 10 increased to 1584.00 Index Points, the highest since March 2009. Over the past 4 weeks, Sarajevo Stock Exchange Index 10 gained 1.99%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 18.97%.

Stocks in Bosnia And Herzegovina Hit 17-year High

Futures tracking US equities were sharply higher on Wednesday, extending the rebound this week amid signs that US officials are aiming to de-escalate their conflict against Iran. Contracts for the three main indices were over 1% higher. Energy commodities trimmed their surge from this month and Treasuries rebounded on reports that Washington drafted a plan to halt fighting in the Middle East, supporting a softer outlook for inflation despite Iran's hawkish response. The pullback in benchmark bond yields supported risk bidding in Wall Street, with pre-market gains noted in all sectors but energy producers. Asset managers were sharply higher as traders reassessed risks from the wave of recent redemption requests on flagship private equity funds, with Apollo, Ares, and KKR adding 1.5% shortly. In the meantime, Merck was slightly higher after agreeing to buy Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion.

US Futures Hold Upswing

The SENSEX Index went up by 1216 points or 1.64 percent on Wednesday to close at 75285 points. The rise was led by Titan Company (4.71%), UltraTech Cement (4.05%) and Larsen & Toubro (3.99%).

The SENSEX Index Closes 1.64% Higher

The FTSE 100 rose 0.9% on Wednesday after a 0.7% gain in the previous session, extending its rebound as easing oil prices lifted hopes of a de-escalation in Middle East tensions. The index is on track for a second straight day of gains as crude falls below $100 per barrel for the first time since Monday, helping to calm inflation concerns. However, the UK benchmark is lagging broader European markets due to its heavy exposure to energy stocks, with Shell and BP declining alongside oil. Defensive names such as Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever are also lower as investors shift toward riskier assets. Banks and miners are leading gains. Meanwhile, UK inflation held steady at 3% in February, though the data is seen as outdated as it predates the recent escalation in the Middle East.

FTSE 100 Up for 2nd Day

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 climbed nearly 2% on Wednesday, reclaiming the 23,000 level, as optimism grew over a potential swift resolution to the Middle East conflict. The US proposed a 15-point peace plan to Tehran after a possible one-month ceasefire, with President Trump claiming Iran is "desperate to reach a deal." However, Iran’s military leadership dismissed the reports, denouncing the US government. Despite the tensions, Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel, alleviating inflation fears and prompting investors to scale back rate hike expectations. Markets now anticipate just two interest rate increases by year-end from both the ECB and the Bank of England, down from previous projections of three.

DAX 40 Surges on Middle East Peace Hopes

The FTSE MIB rose more than 1% to above 44,000 on Wednesday, extending gains for a third straight session and tracking advances across European markets, as hopes for a resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted sentiment. US President Donald Trump said Washington is engaged in ongoing negotiations with Iran and signaled Tehran’s willingness to reach a peace agreement, despite Iranian officials denying any direct talks. Most major stocks traded higher, including UniCredit (+2.7%), Intesa Sanpaolo (+2.3%), Assicurazioni Generali (+1.6%), Ferrari (+1.3%), STMicroelectronics (+2.5%), and Prysmian (+3.8%). In contrast, Eni fell more than 1%, tracking a decline in oil prices. On the economic front, Italy is set to release its business and consumer confidence data for March later today.

FTSE MIB Rises Over 1%

The CAC 40 climbed 1.4% to 7,858 on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session as market sentiment remained upbeat on hopes of a potential de-escalation in Middle East tensions. Reports emerged that the US is engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Iran, including a proposed 15-point framework and a push for a one-month ceasefire to enable negotiations. However, uncertainty persists as Tehran has yet to formally respond after dismissing earlier talks, and hostilities between Iran and Israel continued with fresh airstrikes. The majority of sectors traded in the green, with defense-related stocks Airbus (2.4%), Safran (2.5%), and Thales (2.1%) among the best performers. Financials also showed strength, namely BNP Paribas (1.8%), Crédit Agricole (1.6%), and Société Générale (2.7%). In contrast, TotalEnergies (-0.6%) and Orange (-1.1%) were among the few decliners.

French Stocks Climb Over 1%

The FTSE 100 Index is up by 98 points or 0.98 percent on Wednesday. Top gainers are Croda International (4.63%), Fresnillo (3.78%) and Intermediate Capital (3.67%). Biggest losses came from Reckitt Benckiser (-2.66%), Shell (-1.34%) and Experian (-1.05%).

The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.98% Higher

European stocks moved higher on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 rising 1.5% and the STOXX 600 gaining 1.2%, supported by a broadly positive market tone amid hopes that the conflict with Iran could ease soon. US President Donald Trump said Washington was negotiating with Tehran and suggested that Iran is willing to reach a peace agreement, although Iranian authorities have denied engaging in direct talks. Trump also noted that he had stepped back from his recent threat to order strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure “based on the fact that we’re negotiating”. Oil prices fell by around 6% in response. All sectors ended in positive territory, with industrials and technology stocks leading the gains.

European Stocks Gain More than 1%

The DAX Index is gaining 385 points or 1.70 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Siemens Energy (4.46%), Infineon (3.64%) and Siemens (2.94%).

The DAX Index Opens 1.70% Higher

The CAC 40 Index is picking up 118 points or 1.52 percent on Wednesday. Gains are led by Legrand (3.58%), STMicroelectronics (3.10%) and Schneider Electric (3.04%).

The CAC 40 Index Opens 1.52% Higher

The Shangai Composite Index rose 52 points or 1.33 percent on Wednesday to close at 3933 points. Leading the gains are Hengli Petrochemical (5.72%), China Eastern Airlin (5.02%) and Yonghui Superstore (4.80%).

The Shangai Composite Index Closes 1.33% Higher

The Nikkei 225 Index gained 1499 points or 2.87 percent on Wednesday to close at 53752 points. Gains were led by Tokio Marine (14.48%), Furukawa Electric (11.48%) and Softbank (8.30%).

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 2.87% Higher

European equity markets were set for a higher open on Wednesday as optimism grew over a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict following reports that the US was pursuing talks with Iran. The New York Times reported that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point proposal to resolve the conflict, while Israeli media indicated that the US was seeking a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. Additional reports suggested that the US and regional mediators are discussing the possibility of holding peace talks with Iran as soon as Thursday, though they are still awaiting a response from Tehran. Oil prices declined on these developments, offering relief to equities that had been pressured by concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes. Meanwhile, investors will focus on UK inflation data and German business confidence figures. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures rose 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively.

European Stocks Head for Higher Open

The S&P/ASX 200 jumped 155 points, or 1.85%, to close at 8,534 on Wednesday, its strongest daily advance since February 9 and extending the prior session’s advance. The rally tracked a rebound in U.S. futures after President Donald Trump signaled progress in talks to end the Middle East war, including concessions from Tehran, lifting global risk appetite. Domestically, Australia's annual inflation eased unexpectedly, with headline CPI edging lower to 3.7% in February from 3.8% in the prior two months, while trimmed mean CPI slipped to 3.3%, below forecasts and January's reading of 3.4%. Markets now price a roughly 50% chance of an RBA rate hike to 4.35% in May. Mining stocks gained, with Rio Tinto climbing 1.6% after a AUD 2 billion government pledge to support Boyne smelter operations. Financials rose 1.3%, while gold miners surged 8.2%, driven by Evolution Mining (8.5%). In contrast, energy lagged, with Santos down 2.3% and Woodside off 3.2%.

ASX 200 Soars to Strongest Gain Since Early February

The NZX 50 jumped 227 points, or 1.8%, to close at 12,929 on Wednesday, ending a four-session losing streak as bargain hunters returned after the index hit an eight-month low a day before. Sentiment improved amid a rally in U.S. stock futures and hopes for progress in resolving the Middle East conflict, after President Trump said Iran wants to “make a deal” and confirmed a U.S. 15-point plan was sent to Tehran. In China, New Zealand's main trading partner, Beijing urged Washington to maintain stable and sustainable trade ties despite ongoing frictions. However, caution emerged ahead of New Zealand’s March business and consumer confidence data due later this week. Meanwhile, RBNZ Governor Anna Breman expects the Iran war to raise near-term headline inflation and weaken New Zealand’s growth momentum. Gains were almost broad-based, led by healthcare, utilities, and transport. Standouts included EBOS Group (4.4%), Infratil (3.5%), Sanford (2.9%), and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (2.8%).

NZX 50 Surges 1.8% at Finish

India’s BSE Sensex rose about 1.3%, up at 75,042 on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session, as the benchmark tracked advances across Asian markets amid reports of a possible US-proposed ceasefire with Iran, which helped ease concerns over oil prices. However, sentiment remains mixed due to lingering geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over the progress of talks. Indian markets have fallen about 9% this month, with the rupee hitting a record low and driving roughly $11.37 billion in outflows in March. On the data front, India’s HSBC composite PMI flash fell to 56.5 in March from 58.9 in February and below market expectations of 58.7, marking the weakest expansion since October 2022 amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. All equity sectors traded higher, led by heavyweight financials and consumer stocks. Early gainers included HDFC Bank (+2.7%), Sammaan Capital (+10%), BSE (+1.3%), Eternal (+2.2%), and Mahindra & Mahindra (+2.6%).

Sensex Posts Second Consecutive Gain

The Taiwan Stock Exchange TAIEX rose nearly 3% to around 33,570 on Wednesday, snapping a four-day decline and joining a broader rebound in Asian markets as investors priced in hopes of easing tensions in the Iran conflict. US President Donald Trump said his administration is holding talks with Iran, even though Tehran has denied that negotiations are taking place, while the US increases its military presence in the region. The electronics and technology sector led the advance, with market bellwether TSMC rising more than 3% and Delta Electronics surging over 9%. Other notable gainers included Hon Hai Precision Industry (+1.5%), MediaTek (+1.6%), and ASE Technology (+6.2%). Most sectors were also in positive territory, including finance, producer manufacturing, and process industries.

TAIEX Rises on Middle East Peace Hopes

Indonesia’s IDX Composite rose 55 points, or 0.8%, to 7,159 in early Wednesday trade, marking gains for a second straight session as markets reopened after a week-long Eid holiday. Sentiment was lifted by a surge in U.S. futures amid reports that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point ceasefire plan, seeking a month-long pause in hostilities. Locally, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reaffirmed that Indonesia will not exceed its 3% budget deficit cap, noting contingency scenarios would only be considered in a major crisis. Gains were capped by concerns the government may raise fuel prices after the festive season to offset rising global oil costs. Key data due next week include March inflation and February trade figures. Most sectors advanced, led by energy, industrials, and cyclicals. Early movers included Amman Mineral Intl. (6.7%), Astra Intl. (5.6%), Barito Renewables Energy (3.5%), and Telkom Indonesia (4.3%).

IDX Extends Gains Post-Eid Break

Asian equity markets advanced on Wednesday as oil prices retreated on growing hopes for a ceasefire in the Middle East. The US was reportedly pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran, though investor skepticism lingered after Tehran denied engaging in any negotiations with Washington. Shares in Australia, Japan, and South Korea each rose more than 2%, while equities in China and Hong Kong posted gains of around 1%.

Asian Stocks Jump on Peace Hopes

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.9% to around 25,284 in Wednesday trading, marking a second straight session of gains, supported by easing oil prices and a pause in immediate geopolitical escalation that helped stabilize risk sentiment. Investors reassessed earlier concerns over a potential energy shock, after surging crude prices and rising global bond yields had triggered heavy foreign outflows from Asian equities and pressured valuations across the region. Despite the uptick, investors remained cautious, with lingering concerns over liquidity, growth momentum, and the risk of renewed oil spikes likely to keep markets volatile in the near term. All stock sectors traded in the green, except for energy minerals and communications. Top performers included Hansoh Pharmaceutical (+3.50%), Tencent Holdings (+0.97%), and AIA Group (+1.65%). In contrast, Shenzhen International Holdings (-0.22%) and Xiaomi Corporation (-1.96%) declined.

Hong Kong Stocks Rise for 2nd Session

The Shanghai Composite rose 0.9% to above 3,900, while the Shenzhen Component jumped 1.9% to 13,800, extending gains from the previous session as hopes for a resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted sentiment. Reports indicated the US was pursuing talks with Iran, including a proposed one-month ceasefire to support negotiations and a 15-point plan to resolve the conflict. However, uncertainty lingered as President Trump ordered the deployment of about 2,000 troops to the region. In China, sentiment was supported by reports that authorities signaled plans to soften previously proposed fuel price increases. PBoC Governor Pan Gongsheng also reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining supportive policies to underpin stable growth and ensure financial market stability. Technology stocks led the advance, with notable gains from Zhongji Innolight (4%), SMIC (1.1%), Eoptolink Technology (2.1%) and NAURA Technology (4.2%). Conversely, financials and energy stocks lagged as oil prices fell.

China Stocks Extend Rally

The KOSPI rose more than 3% on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session as improving prospects of a resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted sentiment. President Donald Trump reiterated that his administration is in talks with Iran, despite Tehran denying that negotiations are underway. Hopes of a potential ceasefire pushed oil prices lower, offering relief to investors, as elevated energy costs have heightened inflation risks in South Korea due to its reliance on imports. Among stocks, SK Hynix jumped over 5% after reports it is considering a US listing this year to keep pace with surging AI-driven memory demand. Its peer Samsung Electronics also gained more than 3%. Other heavyweights advanced, including Hyundai Motor (+3.1%), LG Energy Solution (+1.5%), Hanwha Aerospace (+2.3%), and Doosan Enerbility (+2.7%). On the economic front, South Korea’s composite consumer confidence index eased to 107.0 in March from 112.1 in February.

South Korean Shares Extend Gains

The Nikkei 225 Index surged 2.7% to above 53,600 while the broader Topix Index climbed 2.3% to 3,642 on Wednesday, marking a second straight session of gains as optimism for an end to the prolonged Middle East conflict strengthened on reports that the US was pursuing talks with Iran. Israeli media indicated that Washington was seeking a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, while the New York Times reported that the US had sent Iran a 15-point proposal to resolve the conflict. Oil prices declined following these developments, offering relief to import-dependent economies like Japan and lifting overall market sentiment. Technology and AI-related stocks led the advance, with notable gains from Kioxia Holdings (3%), Fujikura (5.2%), SoftBank Group (4.6%), Advantest (2.4%), and Tokyo Electron (2.2%).

Japanese Shares Jump on Peace Hopes

Australian stocks climbed 107 points, or 1.3%, to 8,486 in Wednesday morning trade, extending gains for a second session amid a rally in U.S. equity futures. Sentiment was buoyed by reports that Washington, via Pakistan, had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the Middle East conflict, with regional mediators awaiting Tehran’s response ahead of possible high-level talks Thursday. However, caution prevailed before the release of Australia's inflation data for February later today, after January’s reading held at 3.8% for a second month, above the Reserve Bank’s target and market forecasts. Most sectors advanced, led by non-energy minerals, logistics, consumers, and transport. Rio Tinto rose 1.7% after striking a deal to keep its Boyne aluminum smelter open, shifting toward renewable power to offset rising fossil fuel costs. Other notable movers included Evolution Mining (5.9%), Lynas Rare Earth (2.5%), BHP Group (2.3%), and Macquarie Group (2.1%).

Australia Shares Jump  as Iran Talks Loom

US stock futures advanced on Wednesday following reports that Washington was pursuing talks with Iran to end the conflict. Dow and S&P 500 futures each rose about 0.7%, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.8%. President Donald Trump said Iran had offered a gesture of goodwill in negotiations tied to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, while the New York Times reported that the US had sent Iran a 15-point proposal to resolve the conflict. This lifted sentiment even after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of roughly 2,000 troops to the region, as the administration considered options to ease Iran’s grip on the critical chokepoint. In regular trading on Tuesday, the Dow fell 0.18%, the S&P 500 lost 0.38%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.84% as conflicting Middle East developments kept tensions elevated. Investors now turn to US export and import price data due Wednesday, along with earnings from Chewy, Paychex, and others.

US Futures Rise on Mideast Optimism

New Zealand stocks jumped 129 points, or 1%, to 12,830 in Wednesday morning trade, snapping a four-session losing streak amid bargain hunting after markets closed at a near eight-month low the day before. Sentiment was also supported by a jump in U.S. equity futures following reports that the U.S., via intermediary Pakistan, had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the conflict in the Middle East, now in its fourth week. However, the upside was capped by a warning from central bank governor Anna Breman, who said that interest rates could rise if oil-driven inflation persists amid geopolitical risks. Healthcare, transport, and consumer non-durables led the strength, with notable movers including Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (3.5%), Auckland Intl. Airport (1.1%), Summerset Group (1.0%), and Genesis Energy (0.9%). Traders now await the March business and consumer confidence in New Zealand, which will be released later this week.

New Zealand Shares Rebound

The Dow Jones Index decreased -85 points or 0.18 percent on Tuesday to close at 46124 points. The decline was led by Salesforce (-6.23%), IBM (-3.08%) and Microsoft (-2.68%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Cisco Systems (2.55%), Caterpillar (2.07%) and Nike (1.56%).

The Dow Jones Index Closes 0.18% Lower

The Ibovespa closed 0.3% higher at 182,509 on Tuesday as a late recovery in Petrobras and Vale offset pressure from rising interest rates. Petrobras jumped 3.7% as Brent crude surged past $102 per barrel and Vale added 0.8% to provide a vital cushion. These gains countered a selloff in the banking sector where Itaú fell 0.4% and Bradesco dropped 1.1% as future interest rates advanced. Minutes from the Central Bank confirmed that oil price volatility remains decisive for the Selic rate calibration cycle which limited appetite for credit-sensitive utilities. Despite the volatile external environment foreign investors have maintained a strong push into Brazil with net inflows reaching R$ 48.6 billion for the year.

Ibovespa Rebounds on Tuesday

The S&P/TSX Composite Index reversed its earlier decline to close 0.2% higher at 31,942 on Tuesday as a late-session recovery in major banking and energy stocks offset broader geopolitical uncertainty. Suncor Energy and Imperial Oil led the sector gains with advances of 1.8% and 2.2% respectively while Cenovus Energy jumped 3% as Brent crude climbed back above $104 per barrel amid resurgent supply concerns. Financials also found late support as Royal Bank of Canada rose 0.6% and TD Bank added 0.3% countering the pressure from rising bond yields. However tech and consumer stocks faced significant headwinds with Shopify falling 3.8% and Dollarama plunging 9.6% alongside a 3.8% drop in Constellation Software. Mining equities remained a bright spot as Nutrien surged 5.7% and Franco-Nevada added 2.2% despite earlier volatility.

TSX Reverses Losses, Closes Higher

The S&P 500 closed 0.2%lower, the Nasdaq dropped 0.6%, while the Dow was mostly unchanged on Tuesday, as a resurgent energy rally and conflicting Middle East headlines stalled previous momentum. Geopolitical uncertainty grew as Iranian state media denied President Trump's claims of productive talks despite his assertions of ongoing negotiations to end the four-week conflict. This skepticism pushed Brent crude above $104 per barrel fueling a 2% jump in the energy sector which remains the sole S&P 500 group in positive territory for March. High-growth AI firms including Oracle and Microsoft faced selling pressure with Oracle shedding 4.7% despite analysts maintaining bullish targets. Retail participation hit an inflection point as everyday traders became net sellers for the first time since 2023 while Jefferies gained 2.5% on reports of a potential takeover bid by Sumitomo.

US Stocks Finish Mixed

European equity indices closed mostly higher on Tuesday as markets continued to assess how higher energy prices will impact the global economy. The STOXX 50 inched higher by 0.2% to 5,585 and the STOXX 600 rose a sharper 0.5% to 579. ASML was among the strongest performers of the session after SK Hynix announced plans to order $8 billion of lithography equipment from the Dutch manufacturer. Chemicals producers were also higher as European natural gas prices trimmed a portion of their surge this month, easing the tighter margins for the sector. Air Liquide and BASF rose 2.5% and 4%, respectively. Still, oil prices continued to rise as hostilities between Iran, Gulf countries, and Israel worsened. Banks fell further in the session on the worsening inflation outlook, with Nordea and ING sliding 2.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Preliminary data showed that Eurozone private activity rose at a softer pace in March, the first confirmation that higher energy prices from the war are denting output.

European Stocks Inch Higher

Frankfurt's DAX 40 trimmed some early losses to close marginally down at 22,640 on Tuesday, reflecting persistent uncertainty over the Iran war amid conflicting signals on a potential end of the conflict. Meanwhile, flash March PMI surveys showed that the recent surge in energy prices is already affecting global economies, slowing business activity and production while adding upward pressure on inflation. Germany's private sector growth slowed to a three-month low, with the services sector losing further momentum. SAP led losses in equities, falling roughly 4% following JPMorgan’s downgrade from ‘Overweight’ to ‘Neutral. Analyst Toby Ogg argued that the outlook for expected growth acceleration and margin expansion had changed. Bayer fell nearly 2% on news of potential stake sale from shareholder Inclusive Capital Partners.

DAX Finishes Marginally Down

The FTSE MIB Index gained 173 points or 0.40 percent on Tuesday to close at 43363 points. Gains were led by Infrastrutture Wire (9.89%), Diasorin (4.75%) and Amplifon (3.69%). Biggest losers were Leonardo SpA (-2.26%), Banca Generali (-0.89%) and Ferrari NV (-0.79%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.40% Higher

The DAX Index decreased -52 points or 0.23 percent on Tuesday to close at 22602 points. The decline was led by SAP (-3.95%), Scout24 (-2.64%) and Bayer (-1.33%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Brenntag (7.22%), BASF (4.09%) and Deutsche Telekom (2.93%).

The DAX Index Closes 0.23% Lower

The CAC 40 Index rose 15 points or 0.20 percent on Tuesday to close at 7741 points. Leading the gains are Stellantis NV (3.41%), ArcelorMittal (2.22%) and Air Liquide (2.14%). Top losers were TP (-6.08%), Capgemini (-2.07%) and Dassault Systemes (-1.85%).

The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.20% Higher

The FTSE 100 Index gained 60 points or 0.60 percent on Tuesday to close at 9954 points. Gains were led by BT (3.61%), BP (3.43%) and Endeavour (3.15%). Biggest losers were B&M European Value (-3.82%), Taylor Wimpey (-3.02%) and Easyjet Plc (-2.76%).

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.60% Higher

The FTSE MIB gained 0.4% to 43,369 on Tuesday, lifted by energy and tech gains. Eni rose 2% as oil prices climbed after Iran denied holding US talks to end the Gulf war, contradicting Trump's deal comments. Also, Inwit surged 9.9% after reports indicated major shareholder Ardian is in talks with Canadian investor Brookfield Asset Management on a potential joint acquisition. Meanwhile, financials traded mixed as rising oil renewed stagflation fears and lifted bond yields. Intesa Sanpaolo fell 0.7%, UniCredit inched down 0.1%, and Generali shed 0.2%. MPS rose 1.2% and Mediobanca gained 1.8%. MPS CEO Lovaglio, under investigation over last year's Mediobanca acquisition, emerged as a candidate to continue in the role after a minority shareholder nominated him to counter the board's decision to exclude him.

FTSE MIB Gains on Eni and Inwit

The CAC 40 closed slightly higher at 7,741 on Tuesday as investors balanced a deteriorating domestic economic outlook against volatile energy dynamics and conflicting Middle East headlines. Market sentiment was tested by flash estimates showing the French composite PMI dropping to a five month low of 48.3 in March 2026 as the services sector contracted further to 48.3 despite manufacturing remaining just above the 50 point threshold. Geopolitical uncertainty resurfaced after Tehran denied holding talks with Washington which largely neutralized the optimism from President Trump's temporary strike postponement and pushed Brent crude back above 100 dollars per barrel. Energy and industrial heavyweights led the gains with Air Liquide rising 2.2% and TotalEnergies advancing 1.6% while Stellantis jumped 3.4% and ArcelorMittal added 2.3%. In contrast the luxury sector saw a mixed performance as LVMH fell 1.3% while L'Oreal climbed 1% and Kering edged up 1.2%.

CAC 40 Edges Higher

US equities were mixed on Tuesday following yesterday's rebound as the war in the Middle East maintained energy prices at soaring levels and risked detriment to credit-sensitive sectors of the economy. The S&P 500 was flat, while the Dow dropped slightly and the Nasdaq 100 inched higher. Iran and Israel traded blows and dimmed expectations of an imminent de-escalation to the conflict, offsetting the optimism after President Trump delayed attacks due to constructive talks with Iran, despite Iran denying said talks. Risk-sensitive and credit-hungry AI companies fell sharply, with Microsoft, Oracle, Palantir, and Salesforce dropping between 2.5% and 6%. In turn, defensive stocks gained to support the Dow, with Walmart up 2%. Meanwhile, Apollo and Ares both slid more than 3% after being the latest to cap redemptions on their main private credit funds. In turn, Jefferies gained 5% on reports that Japan's Sumitomo is considering acquiring the company.

US Stocks Pare Losses

The Ibovespa fell nearly 1% to hover below 181,000 on Tuesday as oil prices rebounded and pressured the global economic outlook. Energy supply concerns resurfaced after Iran denied holding US talks to end the Gulf war, contradicting Trump's comments about a potential deal.  Also, minutes from the Central Bank of Brazil showed that policymakers reiterated that the increase in oil prices may prevent the higher magnitude of rate cuts that were expected for this year. Major banks tumbled, Itaú was down 1.4%, and Bradesco nearly 2%. Utilities also fell, with Axia losing near 2% and Sabesp over 1%. In contrast, higher oil prices supported energy stocks, with Petrobras up about 3%.

Ibovespa Falls as Oil Rises Again

The Dow Jones Index is falling -249 points. Losses were driven by Salesforce (-4.16%), IBM (-3.64%) and Microsoft (-1.96%). Biggest rises came from Verizon (1.82%), Walmart (1.09%) and Chevron (1.01%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.54% Lower

The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell around 0.6% to below the 31,700 mark on Tuesday as resurgent oil prices pressured the broader outlook for the Canadian economy. Market sentiment soured after Iranian officials denied holding direct talks with Washington to resolve the Middle East conflict which directly contradicted recent optimistic signals from President Trump. This geopolitical friction effectively erased the previous session's relief and reignited stagflationary concerns causing bond yields to climb while weighing on credit demand and major banking stocks. While the resource heavy index remains particularly vulnerable to energy costs the current surge provided a floor for energy equities even as lower gold prices restricted the performance of mining companies. In corporate developments TransAlta Corp drew attention following a stock upgrade to outperform by NBC while Jamieson Wellness Inc moved into focus after analysts initiated coverage with a bullish price target of $43.00.

Canada Stock Market Index (TSX) at 31678.58points

US equity indices were lower on Tuesday, trimming yesterday's rebound as faded hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East reignited higher risks of stagflation. The S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq 100 fell over 0.5%. Iran continued to strike targets in Israel and GCC members to dim expectations of an imminent de-escalation to the conflict, while Israel accelerated the pace of strikes on both Iran and Lebanon. These offset signs of de-escalation by the US after President Trump delayed attacks for five days due to constructive talks with Iran, which triggered a rebound in risk sentiment yesterday despite Iran denying said talks. Tech giants with exposure to credit costs fell sharply, with Microsoft and Amazon both losing more than 1%. Meanwhile, Apollo and Ares both slid more than 3% after being the latest to cap redemptions on their main private credit funds. In turn, Jefferies gained 5% on reports that Japan's Sumitomo is considering acquiring the company.

Breaking News

Follow what's happening with real-time updates from around the world.