US-Iran Negotiations Show Positive Signs; Global Markets Respond with Rallies

US-Iran Negotiations Show Positive Signs; Global Markets Respond with Rallies

Positive signals have emerged in US-Iran negotiations, triggering a chain reaction in global financial markets. Stock index futures rebounded, oil prices pulled back, and precious metals rallied, as market sentiment shifted from risk aversion to a focus on easing geopolitical tensions.

According to market sources, the US and Iran have agreed to resume negotiations, with plans to hold talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. This news has significantly boosted market confidence, leading to collective movements in global asset prices. US stock index futures rose, Asian stock markets strengthened across the board, international oil prices declined, and gold and silver rebounded sharply, reflecting the market's positive expectations for a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions.

Affected by the optimistic expectations of eased US-Iran tensions, US stock index futures moved higher, with Nasdaq futures rising 0.3%. Asian stock markets also saw a strong rally on Tuesday: Japan's Nikkei 225 Index surged 2.5%, South Korea's KOSPI rose more than 3%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 0.5%. Technology stocks led the gains, driven by renewed investor interest in AI-related themes amid improved market sentiment.

In the commodity market, international oil prices fell under pressure. WTI crude oil futures for May delivery dropped more than 2% to $96.91 per barrel, while Brent crude oil futures for June delivery fell 1% to around $98.44 per barrel. Market analysts noted that the easing of US-Iran tensions has weakened the premium for energy supply risks, putting downward pressure on oil prices.

Precious metals rebounded strongly after a period of decline. Spot gold prices broke through the $4,790 per ounce mark, with spot silver surging 3% intraday to $77.84 per ounce. Bitcoin climbed to around $74,300, and copper prices hit a one-month high, supported by a weaker US dollar and stable inflation expectations.

Iranian President Raisi stated that Iran is willing to continue negotiations with the US within the framework of international law and abide by the ceasefire agreement, while pointing out that excessive demands from the US side have hindered the progress of the negotiations. US Vice President Harris emphasized that the US has made sufficient concessions and urged Iran to show flexibility to promote the early reaching of a consensus.

Market analysts pointed out that the current market reaction mainly focuses on the "peace dividend" brought by the easing of US-Iran tensions. As long as there is no major reversal in the negotiation process, global risk assets are expected to maintain a rebound trend. However, it is still necessary to remain vigilant about the uncertainty of the situation, especially the potential impact of changes in the Strait of Hormuz navigation on energy supply.

In addition, the US first-quarter earnings season has officially kicked off. Major banks including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup will release their financial reports one after another. Market participants will focus on the impact of geopolitical tensions on corporate profitability, while Goldman Sachs' stock fell 1.9% after releasing its earnings report, reflecting investor concerns about the impact of the Middle East situation on corporate operations.

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