[MARKET UPDATE] Mixed start to the session with ASX 200 -0.2% and KOSPI +2.5%; US equity futures remain flat with a mild upward bias

The mixed performance of the ASX 200 and KOSPI indicates divergence in sentiment across Asian markets, with the KOSPI showing strength while the ASX 200 lags.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 4 May 2026, 00:22 UTCOn the live feed at 00:02 UTC — 1 more headline followed before this page went public

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00:23

[MARKET UPDATE] Crude continues ticking higher and closes the gap seen at the open following the UKMTO report of an incident 78 NM north of Fujairah, UAE; WTI Jun top end of 99.11-102.26/bbl range, Brent Jul top end of 105.55-108.80/bbl range

00:11

UKMTO reports an incident 78 NM north of Fujairah, UAE; "a tanker has reported being hit by unknown projectiles. All crew reported safe"

00:02

[MARKET UPDATE] Mixed start to the session with ASX 200 -0.2% and KOSPI +2.5%; US equity futures remain flat with a mild upward bias

23:37

US President Trump, on Iran, says "it is going very well"

23:31

PRE-MARKET AUSTRALIAN, JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: Japanese markets closed for holiday

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Context

This might suggest selective risk appetite among investors, potentially linked to sector-specific or geopolitical factors. US equity futures' flat but mildly positive bias hints at a cautious optimism heading into the North American session, but the overall indecisiveness could lead to volatility as market participants digest further developments.

All markets · last 90 days

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