The CAC 40 index rose 0.4% to around 8,300 on Thursday, reversing losses from the previous session as optimism over a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted market sentiment. Reports suggest the US and Iran are considering extending their fragile ceasefire by two weeks to allow more time for negotiations, with the current truce set to expire next week, although shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains suspended under a continued US naval blockade. Meanwhile, markets continued to digest corporate updates, with TotalEnergies signalling a strong first-quarter performance as higher energy prices and increased production outside the Middle East are expected to offset disruption from the conflict, though the energy giant still fell 0.8%. Among other notable performers, LVMH rose 1%, Airbus gained 1.1%, and Schneider Electric added 0.6%.

French Stocks Open Higher

The FTSE MIB climbed above 48,300 on Thursday, reaching a new high since 2000 after a brief pause in the previous session, as investors continued to monitor developments in the Middle East. Reports indicated that the US and Iran are considering extending the ceasefire by two weeks to allow additional time for peace negotiations. However, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains suspended, with a US naval blockade still in place. Meanwhile, markets continued to digest corporate updates. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena rose more than 4% after the conclusion of a monthslong governance dispute, with CEO Luigi Lovaglio unexpectedly prevailing. Other banks also posted strong gains, including Mediobanca (+5%) and Banco BPM (+4.8%), while Assicurazioni Generali added 1.8%. On the downside, energy-related stocks remained subdued, with Eni down 1.6%, alongside Tenaris (-0.4%) and Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale (-0.9%).

FTSE MIB Rises to Fresh Highs Since 2000

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7% to close at 4,056, hitting a fresh four-week high, while the Shenzhen Component Index climbed 2.1% to 14,796, rebounding to its strong January 2022 level, as better-than-expected first-quarter economic growth boosted sentiment. China’s economy expanded 5% in the first quarter, accelerating from 4.5% in the prior quarter and beating expectations, as stronger exports helped offset still-muted domestic demand. Activity data for March painted a mixed picture, with industrial production holding up better than expected even as retail sales softened and unemployment edged higher. On the geopolitical front, Israel is weighing a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump said the broader war with Iran could end soon as efforts to extend a fragile truce and restart negotiations continue. Notable gains were seen from Contemporary Amperex (5.5%), Zhongji Innolight (3.8%), Foxconn Industrial (2.6%), BYD (2.4%), and Zijin Mining (1.1%).

China Stocks Finish Sharply Higher

Frankfurt's DAX 40 edged up to around 24,100 on Thursday, hovering near one-week highs, amid optimism regarding the evolution of the conflict in the Middle East. Recent reports indicated the US and Iran may extend their ceasefire by two weeks to allow more time to negotiate a peace agreement, the terms of which would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures regarding Iranian nuclear enrichment. Meanwhile, the US naval blockade continues to restrict traffic in the key oil transit route. Attention was also on the earnings season. The tech sector was the best-performing sector, buoyed by gains in semiconductor ASML. SAP and Infineon advanced 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively.

DAX Nudges Higher

The FTSE 100 edged slightly higher on Thursday but remained largely unchanged for a sixth straight session as investors weighed an uncertain outlook for the Iran conflict and ongoing peace talks. On the economic front, the UK economy grew 0.5% in February, well above expectations of 0.1%. Tesco gained more than 3% after reporting solid sales and profit growth, announcing a £500 million buyback and widening its guidance range due to geopolitical uncertainty. Entain rose over 4% after maintaining its outlook for net gaming revenue growth. Mining stocks also advanced, with Rio Tinto up 2.2% and Anglo American gaining 1.6% following strong Chinese data. On the downside, EasyJet fell more than 1.5% after a cautious trading update citing uncertainty from the Middle East conflict, while Rentokil slipped around 1% despite maintaining its annual guidance after steady first quarter performance.

FTSE 100 Trades Cautiously Higher

European stocks edged higher on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.4% and the STOXX 600 gaining 0.2%, as investors continued to monitor developments in the Middle East, where reports suggest the US and Iran are considering a two-week extension of the ceasefire to allow more time for peace negotiations. The current truce is set to expire next week. However, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains suspended, with the US naval blockade still in place. Attention also turned to corporate earnings. ASML shares climbed more than 2%, supported by strong results from key customer TSMC. SAP (+0.8%) and Prosus (+2%) also posted gains, while Tesco surged over 3% after reporting robust underlying performance. On the downside, TotalEnergies slipped 0.5% despite indicating a solid Q1 and Pernod Ricard declined 1.4% after warning that disruptions linked to the Middle East war could lead to an annual sales drop of up to 4%.

European Stocks Edge Up, Earnings in Focus

The FTSE 100 Index is up by 23 points or 0.22 percent on Thursday. Top gainers are Entain (4.17%), Tesco (3.04%) and Halma (2.83%). Biggest losses came from Unite Group (-2.53%), Airtel Africa (-1.83%) and Vodafone (-1.59%).

The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.22% Higher

The DAX Index is gaining 54 points or 0.22 percent on Thursday. Leading the gains are SAP (1.46%), Infineon (1.44%) and Zalando (1.42%). Top losers are Deutsche Telekom (-1.86%), Qiagen NV (-1.60%) and Daimler Truck Holding AG (-1.32%).

The DAX Index Opens 0.22% Higher

The CAC 40 Index is picking up 39 points or 0.47 percent on Thursday. Gains are led by Dassault Systemes (1.14%), Saint-Gobain (1.05%) and Societe Generale (0.95%). Biggest losers are Kering (-3.43%), Pernod Ricard (-1.28%) and Orange (-1.01%).

The CAC 40 Index Opens 0.47% Higher

The Shangai Composite Index went up by 30 points or 0.74 percent on Thursday to close at 4057 points. The rise was led by Aluminum Corporation of China (3.90%), Hengli Petrochemical (2.66%) and Yonghui Superstore (1.53%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were China Fortune (-2.14%), China CITIC Bank (-1.66%) and Greenland Holdings (-1.33%).

The Shangai Composite Index Closes 0.74% Higher

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 2.38% to close at 59,518 on Thursday, hitting a new all-time high as optimism grew around a potential agreement to end the Middle East conflict. Reports indicated Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for peace negotiations, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed under a dual blockade. Japanese equities also followed Wall Street’s record-setting rally overnight, supported by robust bank earnings and renewed interest in technology shares. Tech and AI-related stocks led the advance, with strong gains from SoftBank Group (5.1%), Kioxia Holdings (4.5%), and Fujikura (4.7%). Daikin Industries also surged 9.1% after activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake in the company and called for reforms to unlock shareholder value.

Japan’s Nikkei Hits Fresh Record High

The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 24 points, or 0.3%, to close at 8,955 on Thursday, reversing morning gains and a two-day advance as weakness in process industries, non-energy minerals, logistics, and financials weighed. Sentiment soured after April data showed inflation expectations in Australia jumped to their highest since November 2022, stoking cost-pressure concerns. Employment growth also slowed to a four-month low in March, driven by a drop in part-time jobs. Traders remained cautious after China’s Q1 2026 GDP beat forecasts, but face risks of softer growth if the Middle East crisis drags on. In the U.S., President Trump said the war with Iran was “close to over,” though Washington’s port blockade keeps supply-disruption risks elevated. Australia’s “big four” banks fell 1.3%–2.8%, while notable laggards included Reece Ltd. (-5.3%), Viva Energy (-4.5%), Evolution Mining (-4.2%), and Greatland Resources (-4.0%).

ASX 200 Turns Early Strength to Finish Lower

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1472 points or 2.53 percent on Thursday to close at 59606 points. Leading the gains are TDK (13.38%), Trend Micro (10.84%) and Daikin (9.01%).

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 2.53% Higher

European equity markets were poised for a firmer open on Thursday, tracking gains across global markets as optimism over renewed US-Iran negotiations and the prospect of a broader peace deal boosted sentiment. Reports indicated Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for discussions, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed under a dual blockade. Strong corporate earnings and a rebound in technology shares also supported the upbeat tone in global equities. In Europe, investors will focus on the UK’s monthly GDP data for February, alongside final March inflation readings for the Eurozone and Italy. On the corporate side, earnings releases are expected from Tesco, Pernod Ricard, and Viscofan, among others. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both higher by around 0.2%.

European Stocks Set for Higher Open

The NZX 50 dropped 11 points, or 0.1%, to close at 13,066 on Thursday, reversing gains from the morning session and the previous day, mainly weighed down by energy, consumer staples, technology, and industrial stocks. Traders assessed China’s Q1 GDP data, with the economy growing more than expected but at a slower pace than in the same period of 2025, while both March industrial output and retail sales growth eased from the previous month. However, a rally on Wall Street overnight helped limit losses, supported by optimism over US-Iran ceasefire talks. On the domestic front, New Zealand home prices slipped slightly in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, highlighting modestly softening demand amid rising petrol prices linked to Middle East tensions, according to data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. Among the biggest laggards were Ebos Group (-2.4%), A2 Milk (-1.8%), Briscoe Group (-1.3%), Freightways Group (-1.2%), and Port of Tauranga (-1.1%).

New Zealand Stocks End Slightly Lower

India’s BSE Sensex rose about 0.4% to 78,420 on Thursday, extending gains for a second consecutive session as hopes of a US-Iran peace deal weighed on oil prices and lifted market sentiment. US President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon will hold talks later in the day, signaling further easing of Middle East tensions, while oil prices slipped below $95 after reports that Iran could consider allowing ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, outweighing concerns over ongoing supply disruptions. On the corporate front, investors are awaiting the earnings releases from Wipro and HDFC Life Insurance, both scheduled to report their January-March results today. Notable gainers included Gallantt Ispat (+7.5%), Infosys (+1.3%), Gujarat Mineral (+9.3%), and HDB Financial (+8.1%), while laggards included MTAR Tech (-2%), Astral (-2.9%), and Tejas Networks (-4.1%). The benchmark index is up 1.3% so far this week, on track for a second weekly gain after six consecutive weekly losses.

Sensex Extends Gains to Second Day

Indonesia’s IDX Composite rose 46 points, or 0.6%, to 7,670 on Thursday morning, rebounding from the prior session’s weakness as U.S. futures strengthened after Wall Street’s overnight rally. Sentiment improved on news that White House-led talks with Iran were “ongoing and productive”. Meanwhile, China’s solid Q1 GDP figures reassured investors that Beijing has so far absorbed the Iran war shock with limited disruption due to ample oil reserves and mitigation efforts. Bank Indonesia also bolstered confidence, with Governor Perry Warjiyo emphasizing policy stability during investor meetings in New York and Boston. Separately, the government highlighted endorsements of Indonesia’s resilience from the Asian Development Bank and FTSE Russell. All major sectors were in the green, led by healthcare, transport, and cyclicals. Notable gainers included Aneka Tambang (2.0%), Telkom Indonesia (1.8%), Indofood Sukses Makmur (1.5%), and Indah Kiat (1.0%).

Indonesia Shares Gain as Wall Street, China GDP Lift Sentiment

Asian equity markets advanced on Thursday, tracking a record-setting rally on Wall Street as hopes for renewed negotiations and a longer-term peace deal between the US and Iran lifted investor sentiment. Strong corporate earnings and a resurgence in technology shares further underpinned gains in global equities. Shares in Japan and South Korea led regional gains, fueled by renewed interest in artificial intelligence and related technologies. Hong Kong and Chinese stocks also climbed.

Asian Stocks Follow Wall Street Rally

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.2% to above 4,000, hitting a fresh one-month high, while the Shenzhen Component Index climbed over 1.1% to 14,600, moving back toward its strong January 2022 level, supported by optimism over renewed US–Iran negotiations and upbeat domestic economic data. China’s economy expanded 5% in the first quarter, accelerating from 4.5% in the prior quarter and slightly beating expectations, as stronger exports helped offset still-muted domestic demand. Activity data for March painted a mixed picture, with industrial production holding up better than expected even as retail sales softened and unemployment edged higher. Meanwhile, global sentiment improved as the US and Iran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for talks, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed under a dual blockade. Among individual stocks, notable gains were seen in Contemporary Amperex (5.5%), BYD (1.9%), and Zijin Mining (0.9%).

China Stocks Rally on Upbeat Data

The Hang Seng Index climbed 230 points, or 0.9%, to 26,160 on Thursday, extending gains for a third consecutive session and tracking an overnight rally on Wall Street, where sentiment was buoyed by rising optimism over potential US–Iran ceasefire negotiations. Easing oil prices, with crude trading below the $100-per-barrel mark, helped ease inflation concerns and supported regional equities in the region. However, markets remained sensitive to developments in the Strait of Hormuz, as any renewed disruption to energy supply routes could quickly weigh on sentiment and trigger volatility. Gains in Hong Kong were broad-based, with technology, financial and consumer stocks benefiting from improved outlook and stronger global cues. Sentiment was further underpinned by selective buying in heavyweight names, with Tencent Holdings (+1.5%), AIA Group (+1.5%), Meituan Class (+0.6%), Kuaishou Technology (+1.2%), and Pop Mart International (+1.5%) among the notable gainers.

Hang Seng Extends Rally to Third Session

The benchmark KOSPI rose nearly 2% to around 6,200 on Thursday, extending gains for a third straight session toward record levels, as improving prospects for a US–Iran deal lifted global risk appetite. Sentiment strengthened as progress in US–Iran negotiations, supported by a two-week ceasefire and ongoing exchanges, along with plans for further talks, pointed to sustained diplomatic momentum. At the same time, easing oil prices reduced concerns over a prolonged energy shock, offering relief to an economy heavily reliant on imported energy. The global risk-on tone was reinforced by record highs on Wall Street, where strong performance in technology stocks boosted global markets and lifted major Korean chipmakers. Samsung Electronics rose 2.1% and SK hynix added 1.9%, alongside gains in Hyundai Motor (6.7%), SK Square (2.4%), Doosan Enerbility (5.9%), Kia Corporation (4.1%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (4.2%), and KB Financial Group (2.1%).

South Korean Shares Rise on Iran Deal Hopes

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1.5% to trade above 59,000 on Thursday, moving closer to fresh record levels as optimism built around a potential agreement to end the Middle East conflict. Reports suggested Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow additional time for peace negotiations, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid a dual blockade. Japanese equities also tracked Wall Street’s record-setting rally overnight, supported by strong bank earnings and renewed demand for technology shares. Tech and AI-linked stocks led gains in Japan, with notable advances in SoftBank Group (2.3%), Fujikura (2.4%), and Advantest (1.5%). Other index heavyweights also strengthened, including JX Advanced Metals (1.9%), Mitsubishi UFJ (1.5%), and Daikin Industries (10.8%).

Japan’s Nikkei Climbs Toward Record Highs

Australian equities edged 20 points higher, or 0.2%, to 8,999 in Thursday morning’s trade, extending gains for the third straight session after Wall Street’s S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs overnight on upbeat earnings and optimism over US-Iran talks. Investors awaited local releases later in the day, including April inflation expectations and March labor market figures. At the same time, focus turned to the upcoming Q1 GDP and March activity data in top trading partner China, which cover industrial output, retail sales, and unemployment. Gains were limited by recent remarks from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who said Australians were “paying a hefty price for events on the other side of the world.”Commercial services, healthcare, and consumer durables were mainly higher, though softness in process industries and logistics capped momentum. Early standouts included Pro Medicus (7.5%), Technology One (5.8%), Xero Ltd. (6.9%), and REA Group (4.6%).

Australia Stocks Inch Up, Eyes on Key Data

US stock futures edged higher on Thursday following a record-setting session for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, as optimism over renewed US-Iran negotiations and the prospect of a broader peace deal lifted sentiment. In Wednesday’s regular trading, the S&P 500 advanced 0.8% while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.59%, with the latter marking its strongest 11-day run on record amid a tech-driven rally. In contrast, the Dow slipped 0.15%. Gains were led by the technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services sectors, while materials, industrials, and utilities underperformed. Looking ahead, investors are eyeing a new wave of corporate earnings on Thursday, including reports from Netflix, PepsiCo, and Charles Schwab. On the data front, markets will monitor weekly jobless claims along with updates on March capacity utilization and industrial production.

US Futures Edge Higher After Record Rally

The NZX 50 rose 13 points, or 0.1%, to 13,089 in Thursday morning deals, extending gains from the previous session and following a rally on Wall Street overnight, supported by optimism over US-Iran ceasefire talks. The broader index climbed for the second straight day, mainly supported by consumer discretionary, financials, and real estate. However, the gains were capped by traders’ caution as they were awaiting the release of a slew of data from China, New Zealand's top trading partner, due later today, including Q1 GDP, with the market expecting growth to reach 4.8% year-on-year, up from a 4.5% expansion in Q4 2025. Among notable movers were Hallenstein Glasson Holdings (2.1%), Ebos Group (2.0%), Bankers Investment Trust (0.8%), Freightways Group (0.8%), Summerset Group (0.8%), FC Investment (0.7%), Auckland International Airport (0.5%), Chorus (0.5%), and A2 Milk (0.3%).

New Zealand Stocks Edge Higher in Morning Trade

The Dow Jones Index dropped -40 points or 0.08 percent on Wednesday to close at 48496 points. Losses were led by Caterpillar (-3.09%), Merck (-1.70%) and JPMorgan (-1.68%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Microsoft (4.62%), Salesforce (3.55%) and Apple (2.91%).

The Dow Jones Index Closes 0.08% Lower

The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to cross 7015 points on Wendesday, a fresh record level while the Nasdaq gained more than 1% to trade at January-highs, led by gains in the tech sector. Broadcom jumped more than 3% and Meta added almost 2% after the latter said it agreed to deploy 1 gigawatt of custom AI chips using Broadcom technology. Other megacaps were mostly higher, including Apple (2.6%), Microsoft (5%), Tesla (7%) and Nvidia (0.5%). In contrast, the Dow Jones fell about 100 points. Investors continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, alongside expectations that a second round of talks between the US and Iran could take place soon, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited. At the same time, attention is turning to corporate earnings. Bank of America rose as much as 2.5% after posting higher Q1 profits and Morgan Stanley soared more than 5% after posting record revenue.

S&P 500 Hits New Record

Frankfurt's DAX 40 closed marginally higher at 24,087 on Tuesday, following the significant recovery the previous day. Investors cautiously awaited confirmation of renewed US-Iran talks and a possible extension of the ceasefire, while also eyeing earnings reports from both sides of the Atlantic. Nevertheless, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place. In equities, top gainers included Brenntag, Rheinmetall and SAP, adding more than 2% each.

DAX Sees Marginal Gains

The FTSE 100 declined on Wednesday as investors remained cautious ahead of further developments on Middle East peace talks. Most heavyweight stocks moved lower, with Rolls Royce and GSK falling more than 2%, Rio Tinto down 0.8%, and Shell and BAT slipping around 0.7%, while AstraZeneca and BP eased about 0.5%. Burberry also dropped nearly 2% following weak results from luxury peers, adding pressure to the sector. On the upside, Barratt Redrow climbed around 3.8%, stating that the immediate impact of the conflict is limited, though it warned of longer term uncertainty linked to interest rates and rising energy costs, while highlighting steady demand and a solid sales pipeline. Antofagasta edged up 0.5% after reaffirming its production outlook and positive medium term copper fundamentals, and Entain gained more than 4.5% amid ongoing acquisition developments.

FTSE 100 Edges Down on Wednesday

The FTSE MIB Index dropped -20 points or 0.04 percent on Wednesday to close at 48156 points. Losses were led by Hera (-2.27%), Infrastrutture Wire (-2.17%) and Tenaris (-1.70%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Nexi (6.03%), Mediobanca (5.43%) and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (4.67%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.04% Lower

The DAX Index went up by 22 points or 0.09 percent on Wednesday to close at 24067 points. The rise was led by Brenntag (2.33%), Rheinmetall (2.33%) and SAP (2.19%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Fresenius Medical Care (-2.42%), Fresenius (-1.83%) and BASF (-1.54%).

The DAX Index Closes 0.09% Higher

The CAC 40 Index fell -54 points or 0.65 percent on Wednesday to close at 8273 points. Leading the losses are Kering (-9.31%), Hermes International (-8.02%) and Safran (-2.85%). Top gainers were Edenred (3.83%), Publicis (3.14%) and Stellantis NV (2.04%).

The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.65% Lower

The FTSE 100 Index dropped -39 points or 0.36 percent on Wednesday to close at 10570 points. Losses were led by Fresnillo (-3.87%), Imperial Brands (-3.49%) and Airtel Africa (-3.17%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Entain (4.73%), Barratt Redrow (3.81%) and Intermediate Capital (3.05%).

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.36% Lower

The CAC 40 fell 0.6% to close at 8,275 on Wednesday, retreating from a more than one-month high reached in the prior session as heavyweight luxury stocks dragged the index lower. Hermès plunged 8.2% after reporting weaker-than-expected Q1 sales as the Iran conflict dampened spending in the Middle East and reduced tourist demand in Paris. Kering dropped 9.3% after sales at its flagship brand Gucci posted its eleventh straight quarterly decline. Meanwhile, optimism over US-Iran diplomacy stalled despite reports that the two sides are working to schedule a second round of ceasefire talks. On the data front, France’s annual inflation rate was confirmed at a fourteen-month high of 1.7% in March 2026, driven largely by a sharp rebound in energy prices amid disruptions linked to the Iran conflict.

CAC 40 Falls as Luxury Stocks Tumble

The Stoxx 50 fell 0.7% on Wednesday, led lower by ASML Holding which dropped more than 4% after issuing a weaker than expected outlook for the current quarter despite raising its full year sales forecast. The company expects second quarter revenue between €8.4 billion and €9 billion, below analyst expectations. The broader Stoxx 600 slipped 0.4% as weakness in the luxury sector weighed on sentiment. Hermès shares plunged 8% as Middle East tensions hit sales growth, while Kering dropped 9% after reporting disappointing results at Gucci, partly attributing the slowdown to the conflict. Investors remained cautious as they awaited clearer developments in the Middle East, with markets watching for confirmation of renewed talks and a possible extension of the ceasefire.

European Stocks Fall Led by ASM, Luxury Stocks

The FTSE MIB closed near flat at 48,157 on Wednesday as investors assessed fragile US-Iran peace efforts, with President Trump signaling a second round of talks could resume soon in Pakistan. Oil prices rose but stayed below recent peaks, easing stagflation concerns and relieving fears of a hawkish ECB rate outlook. Banks gained, with MPS surging 4.7% and BPM gaining 2.9%. Other notable performers included Stellantis, up 1.8% and Poste Italiane, up 0.7%. Conversely, energy-related stocks retreated as the oil rally faded, with Tenaris down 1.5% and Eni shedding 0.7%.

FTSE MIB Steady Amid Iran-US Diplomacy Prospects

US500 increased to an all-time high of 7003.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, United States Stock Market Index (US500) gained 4.51%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 32.71%.

The United States Stock Market Index (US500) Hit All-time High

The Ibovespa inched down to near 198,000 on Wednesday, as investors adjusted positions after the prior session's record while monitoring Middle East peace deal prospects. US President Trump indicated that a second round of talks could resume in Pakistan soon. Oil prices edged higher but remained below recent highs, even as the US continued to enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Banks traded mixed, with Itaú gaining near 1% while Bradesco held steady. Meanwhile, Banco do Brasil lost over 1.5% after Itaú BBA downgraded it to underperform. Elsewhere, Vale gained about 0.5% on higher iron ore quotes. In contrast, Petrobras shed near 0.4% as the oil rally cooled down. Also, WEG lost nearly 2% as investors digest lower expectations for Q1 2026 results.

Ibovespa Dips as Investors Monitor US-Iran Talks Prospects

The S&P/TSX Composite Index edged up to above 34,200 on Wednesday, hitting a fresh six-week high, as investors assessed US-Iran peace efforts. US President Trump indicated a second round of talks could resume soon in Pakistan. Oil prices rose slightly but stayed below recent peaks despite the US maintaining its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Also, Canada’s banking regulator said it is reviewing lenders’ exposure to private credit amid growing US market risks. Shopify (+5%) and Constellation Software (+4%) were among the top performers. Banks also traded higher, with BMO up over 0.5% and the Royal Bank of Canada advancing about 0.4%. Energy stocks were muted as the oil rally cooled, with Canadian Natural and Suncor Energy each edging lower. WPM was also down 0.5% and Agnico Eagle shedding nearly 1%.

TSX Edges Up as Investors Weigh US-Iran Peace Hopes

The Dow Jones Index is losing -48 points. Losses were led by Caterpillar (-1.97%), Cisco Systems (-1.50%) and Coca-Cola (-1.23%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Salesforce (2.81%), Nike (2.62%) and Microsoft (2.39%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.10% Lower

The S&P 500 rose 0.2%, the Nasdaq gained 0.3%, and the Dow Jones added about 70 points on Wednesday, extending the prior session’s gains, with both the S&P and Nasdaq back at pre-war levels and the Dow near early-March highs. Investors continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, alongside expectations that a second round of talks between the US and Iran could take place soon, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited. At the same time, attention is turning to corporate earnings. Bank of America rose 2.5% after posting higher Q1 profits and Morgan Stanley soared more than 5% after posting record revenue. Shares of PNC were up 1% although its revenue disappointed. Broadcom jumped about 2.5% and Meta added 0.8% after the latter said it agreed to deploy 1 gigawatt of custom AI chips using Broadcom technology. Other megacaps were mostly higher, including Nvidia (0.6%), Apple (0.4%), Microsoft (2.1%), Tesla (0.8%).

US Stocks Extend Gains

Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index were little changed on Wednesday, after the benchmark closed at a six-week high in the previous session, as investors assessed fragile US–Iran peace efforts. US President Trump indicated that a second round of talks could resume in Pakistan soon. Oil prices edged higher but remained below recent highs, even as the US continued to enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Canada’s banking regulator said it is reviewing lenders’ exposure to private credit amid growing concerns about the health of the US market. Energy producers are likely to post more modest gains as the oil rally cools, while gold prices slipped on a firmer US dollar, likely weighing on mining stocks.

TSX Futures Muted as Investors Weigh US-Iran Peace Expectations

IT40 increased to 48296.00 Index Points, the highest since November 2000. Over the past 4 weeks, Italy Stock Market Index (IT40) gained 8.58%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 33.51%.

Stocks in Italy Hit 25-1/2-year High

US stock futures hovered around the flatline on Wednesday, after both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at pre-war levels in the previous session. Investors continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, alongside expectations that a second round of talks between the US and Iran could take place soon, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited. At the same time, attention is turning to corporate earnings. Bank of America rose about 1% in premarket trading after posting higher Q1 profits. Shares of PNC were little changed, as revenue disappointed. Morgan Stanley traded near the flatline ahead of its earnings release. Also, Broadcom jumped about 3% while Meta shares were little changed after the latter said it agreed to deploy 1 gigawatt of custom AI chips using Broadcom technology. Other megacaps were mixed before the opening bell, with Nvidia (-0.2%) and Alphabet (-0.2%) edging lower while Microsoft (0.7%) and Tesla (0.6%) traded in the green.

US Futures Tread Water

India’s BSE Sensex finished about 1.6% firmer at 78,111 on Wednesday, the highest in over a month, on easing geopolitical concerns. Investor sentiment improved after President Trump indicated that a second round of US-Iran talks could take place within two days, adding that both sides are keen to reach a deal. This helped ease oil prices, despite the continued US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Sectorally, gains were broad-based. India’s largest airline IndiGo rallied 4.6% to lead gains, while infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro, exposed to the Middle East, rose 3.1%.

Sensex at 1-Month High on Hopes of US-Iran Talks

The SENSEX Index went up by 1258 points or 1.64 percent on Wednesday to close at 78105 points. The rise was led by Power Grid (4.21%), Eternal Limited (3.62%) and Tech Mahindra (3.28%).

The SENSEX Index Closes 1.64% Higher

Frankfurt's DAX 40 traded slightly above the flatline around 24,060 on Wednesday, mirroring a cautious sentiment across European markets. Investors awaited further developments in the Middle East while also monitoring corporate earnings from both sides of the Atlantic. A second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran was reportedly under discussion, although a US naval blockade on Iranian ports remains in place.

DAX on Cautious Note

The FTSE MIB was little changed around 48,190 on Wednesday, hovering near its highest levels since 2000, as markets continued to assess developments in the Middle East while digesting fresh corporate updates. Reports indicated that Washington and Tehran are moving toward another round of negotiations in the coming days, even as a US naval blockade continues to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Stellantis rose over 3% after reporting estimated consolidated shipments of 1.4 million units in Q1 2026, marking a 12% year-on-year increase. Among banks, Mediobanca gained 1.9%, while Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena added 2.5%. On the downside, luxury names such as Brunello Cucinelli (-1.5%) and Moncler (-2.3%) led losses, tracking weakness across European peers including Kering and Hermès after disappointing Q1 earnings, which fueled concerns that Middle East tensions are weighing on luxury demand.

FTSE MIB Near Highest Since 2000

The CAC 40 fell 0.6% to 8.78 on Wednesday, retreating from a more than one-month high reached in the previous session as heavyweight luxury stocks dragged the index lower. Hermès led the declines, plunging 13.4% to its lowest level since January 2023 after reporting weaker-than-expected Q1 sales, as the Iran conflict dampened spending in the Middle East and reduced tourist demand in Paris. Kering dropped 8.9% to a two-week low after sales at its flagship brand, Gucci, posted its eleventh straight quarterly decline. Meanwhile, LVMH lost 1.9% as organic revenue in its key segment dropped, while overall group sales missed expectations. Meanwhile, optimism over US-Iran diplomacy stalled, despite reports that the two sides are working to have a second round of ceasefire talks. Domestically, the annual inflation rate was confirmed at a fourteen-month high of 1.7% in March 2026, driven largely by a sharp rebound in energy prices amid disruptions linked to the Iran conflict.

French Stocks Retreat as Luxury Sector Weighs

The FTSE 100 Index is gaining 11 points or 0.10 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Antofagasta (2.52%), Barratt Redrow (2.14%) and Vistry Group (1.54%). Top losers are Burberry (-3.19%), Imperial Brands (-2.35%) and Airtel Africa (-1.50%).

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