[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac stocks trade mixed as optimism regarding a nearing US-Iran deal is clouded by the US conducting 'self defence' strikes against Iran

APAC Stocks: Mixed

• Asia-Pac stocks are mixed as the recent optimism regarding a nearing US-Iran agreement was clouded by reports that the US launched 'self-defence' strikes in southern Iran against missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to lay mines, although the market reaction to the renewed attack was limited, with some reports downplaying the likelihood that it could derail peace talks.

ASX 200: -0.4%

• Trades subdued with nearly all sectors and the downside led by utilities and energy, although the downside is limited amid a lack of data releases and following the mixed geopolitical signals.

Nikkei 225: -0.4%

• Pulled back after printing a fresh record high and returned to beneath the 65,000 level amid profit taking and as participants reflected on the latest geopolitical headlines, while there were comments from BoJ Deputy Governor Himino that they will continue to raise the policy rate, adjust the degree of monetary accommodation according to economic activity, prices and financial conditions.

Hang Seng & Shanghai Comp: Hang Seng -0.8% / Shanghai Comp +0.5%

• Chinese markets are mixed with the mainland subdued alongside the geopolitical uncertainty, while the Hong Kong benchmark outperforms on return from the holiday closure as tech strength helps participants shrug off China's announcement late last week regarding a cross-border investment crackdown.

US Equity Futures: Positive

• Faded some of the prior day's gains with price action driven by the mixed geopolitical updates.

European Equity Futures -0.2%

• Indicate a mildly lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.2% after the cash market closed with gains of 2.0% on Monday.