[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks are higher with sentiment supported as the latest geopolitical headlines provide some optimism that the US and Iran will come to the negotiation table and conduct second-round peace talks in Islamabad in next couple of days

The potential for the US and Iran to resume peace talks is fostering a more optimistic sentiment in the Asia-Pacific stock markets.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 21 Apr 2026, 00:23 UTCOn the live feed at 00:03 UTC — 2 more headlines followed before this page went public

Newsquawk headlinesUTC

00:22

PBoC is expected to set USD/CNY mid-point at 6.8112 (prev. 6.8648)

00:21

Japan and UK Foreign Ministers met in Tokyo on Monday, according to NHK

00:03

[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks are higher with sentiment supported as the latest geopolitical headlines provide some optimism that the US and Iran will come to the negotiation table and conduct second-round peace talks in Islamabad in next couple of days

00:02

South Korea April 1st-20th Exports rose 49.4% Y/Y, Imports rose 17.7% Y/Y and Trade Balance is at a provisional Surplus of USD 10.44bln

23:54

US-Iran negotiations may begin Wednesday morning in Islamabad, while US is said to believe that there is a split within the Iranian negotiating team, according to Al Arabiya citing CNN network sources

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Context

This development may lead to reduced geopolitical tensions, which could benefit energy prices and related assets, especially if it facilitates a stabilizing environment in the region.

Energy · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

ENERGY/8 Sept · 05:23 UTC

Saudi Energy Minister says a number of energy facilities and utilities were hit; are temporarily halting some operations.

Brent Nov'26, after we published+1.0%

Steady upside of around 1% was seen across the crude complex following this update.

ENERGY/3 Sept · 08:03 UTC

Russian President Putin says that Russia and Ukraine should agree first; he notes that there is an opportunity to reach a peace agreement.

with Brent Nov, after we published−1.3%

ENERGY/1 Sept · 16:17 UTC

Initial reports of an American attack on Iran, reports i24's Stein.

- Brent (V6), after we published+1.2%

ENERGY/27 Aug · 17:46 UTC

The Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no interest in going back to the terms of the MoU it reached with Iran in June, reports WSJ citing sources

Brent crude, after we published+1.4%

ENERGY/25 Aug · 19:26 UTC

A ceasefire between the US and Iran has been agreed upon, it includes free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and will be announced in the coming days, reports Ria citing Pakistani and Iranian sources

Brent crude, after we published−2.4%

ENERGY/8 Sept · 19:59 UTC

IRGC says in light of the evils of the US army in targeting several oil tankers of Iran, we warn all oil tanker crews in the Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, they will be targeted, Tasnim reports.

Brent crude, after we published+0.5%

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