South Korea Financial Markets

Shares are mixed in Asia, echoing a rally on Wall Street driven by hopes United States and Iran may resume talks to end their war. The price of Brent crude edged 0.2% lower but was still above $98 a barrel. On Tuesday, U.S. stocks advanced to near their all-time high, with the S&P 500 rising 1.2%. The Dow industrials gained 0.7%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 2%. Lower oil prices help bring down costs for all kinds of businesses. President Donald Trump said he was extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran. The U.S. military was keeping its blockade of Iranian ports

Shares are mixed in Asia and oil prices are little changed as markets watch for the latest developments in the war with Iran. The price of Brent crude edged 1 cent higher, remaining above $98 a barrel. President Donald Trump said he was extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran. The U.S. military was keeping its blockade of Iranian ports. On Tuesday, U.S. shares initially were lifted by signs that diplomats were working through back channels to arrange a new round of talks between the United States and Iran.

Global shares are mixed in cautious trading as investors watch for next steps in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Shares fell in France and were little changed in Germany and Britain. U.S. futures rose. In Asia, benchmarks finished higher in Japan and South Korea, while declining in Australia. In China, shares fell in Hong Kong but rose in Shanghai. U.S. futures were higher. Tokyo reported that it logged a trade deficit in the last fiscal year, the fifth straight year of deficits. Oil prices have edged higher. Markets are focused on what will happen to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that vital route for oil shipping.