[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac stocks are mixed as participants look to potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad

APAC Stocks: Mixed

• Asia-Pac stocks are mixed with the region mostly cautious amid uncertainty regarding US-Iran talks ahead of the ceasefire expiry, as there were numerous conflicting reports on when they will occur and if Iran will take part. Nonetheless, the latest relevant headlines provide some optimism, with sources stating that the US and Iran are expected to reach an agreement by Wednesday and that Pakistan's PM is to ask for a two-week ceasefire extension, while there remains no official confirmation from Tehran about attending talks.

ASX 200: -0.3%

• Trades subdued with the index dragged lower by weakness in health care, energy, mining and financials.

Nikkei 225: +1.0%

• Rallied to back above the 59,000 level with upside facilitated by tech strength and expectations for the BoJ to refrain from hiking rates at next week's meeting.

Hang Seng & Shanghai Comp: Hang Seng Flat / Shanghai Comp -0.3%

• Chinese markets are contained amid earnings releases and mixed performance in the tech sector, while markets failed to benefit from the recent pledge by China's state planner head that officials will help actively increase effective domestic demand and will further enhance supply chain resilience.

US Equity Futures: Marginally positive

• US index futures remain afloat in rangebound trade as markets await US-Iran talks.

European Equity Futures +0.3%

• Indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.3% after the cash market closed with losses of 1.2% on Monday.