US markets opened in the green on Monday, tracking optimism around a possible de-escalation in the West Asia conflict.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 1% at the open (as much as 459 pts), while the S&P 500 gained 0.9% (as much as 58 points). The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was up 0.6%.
Investor sentiment improved after Donald Trump signalled that talks with Iran were progressing. “Great progress has been made,” Trump said, adding that the US is in discussions with a “more reasonable regime” to end military operations.
However, the tone remained cautious. Trump warned that if a deal is not reached soon and the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, the US could escalate attacks on Iran’s key infrastructure.
Oil prices continued to surge amid the tensions. Brent crude rose above $115 per barrel, while WTI crossed $100. The rally comes as the US considers deeper involvement in the region and supply risks increase.
The conflict is also spilling over into commodities and global markets. Aluminium prices jumped after Iranian strikes hit facilities in Bahrain and the UAE. Safe-haven demand pushed the Japanese yen higher, while US Treasury yields slipped.
Asian markets, however, remained under pressure. South Korea’s Kospi fell around 3%, Japan’s Nikkei dropped 2.8%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined nearly 0.8%.
Meanwhile, both of India’s benchmark indices ended today’s trading session crashing over 2%, led by a bloodbath in the banking stocks.
Read more: Stock market crash: ₹10 lakh crore wiped out as banks drag on rising yields, RBI moves
In crypto, Bitcoin recovered slightly, rising 2.5% to $67,663.49 at 19:20 IST after hitting a one-month low in the previous session.
Overall, markets opened higher, but volatility remains elevated as investors track geopolitical developments and their impact on oil, inflation, and monetary policy.
