[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac stocks gained as US-Iran peace talks remained ongoing and with progress touted

APAC Stocks: Positive

• Asia-Pac stocks are higher as risk sentiment is underpinned amid hopes regarding US-Iran peace talks after President Trump suggested Iran called the US and wants to make a deal very badly, while a US official said that talks between the sides are continuing even now and there is progress, with some reports also noting that the second round of face-to-face talks could take place this Thursday, although there hasn't been any confirmation.

ASX 200: +0.5%

• Index is lifted by outperformance in tech and miners, but with the upside capped following a deterioration in Australian Consumer Sentiment and Business Confidence surveys.

Nikkei 225: +2.4%

• Rallied to just shy of the 58,000 level with tech-related stocks dominating the list of best performers, including SoftBank, Advantest, NEC Corp and Renesas, all in the top five biggest gainers.

Hang Seng & Shanghai Comp: Hang Seng +0.5% / Shanghai Comp +0.4%

• Chinese markets are higher but with the gains limited as participants also digest the mostly weaker-than-expected trade data from China, in which exports disappointed and imports surged, while China Customs Vice Minister said the international situation is currently turbulent, geopolitical conflicts are intensifying and global oil prices fluctuate sharply.

US Equity Futures: Rangebound

• Paused overnight after rallying on US-Iran peace talk hopes.

European Equity Futures +0.4%

• Indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.4% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.4% on Monday.