Stock Market Live Updates Today: BSE Sensex, Nifty50 set for cautious start on US-Iran conflict uncertainties; crude oil edges up
Stock Market Live Today: Asian equities directionless
Asian equities traded without clear direction on Monday after Iran and the United States agreed to pause their recent military exchanges, easing immediate tensions that had threatened an interim peace arrangement. Even so, lingering uncertainty kept oil prices supported, while the US dollar remained close to a one-year high.
The renewed diplomatic engagement follows several days of retaliatory strikes triggered after an Iranian missile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz last week. Both Washington and Tehran have since accused each other of violating the temporary ceasefire.
US equity futures pointed higher in early trade, with both S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures advancing 0.4%. In Asia, South Korea’s KOSPI fell nearly 2%, while Japan’s Nikkei lost around 1%, pulling MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index down 0.4%.
“It feels like we are lacking a bit of direction,” said Nick Twidale, Chief Market Strategist at ATFX Global in Sydney.
“We may get a shot in the arm later today from more positive news out of the Middle East…but at the moment I think it’s going to be a bit of a flow-driven day without major moves to either side,” he said.
