- Barry Adams
- 01 Apr, 2026
- New York City
U.S. stocks advanced for the second consecutive day this week amid rising expectations that tensions in the Middle East are likely to de-escalate soon.
The S&P 500 Index increased 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7% following a chaotic end of a difficult quarter.
The two widely followed benchmark indexes, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite, decreased 4.7% and 7%, respectively, in the first quarter after the U.S. and Israel launched aggressive air attacks on Iran.
Crude oil prices soared by as much as 83% in the first quarter and reached four-year highs, crossing $100 a barrel in New York and $115 a barrel in London.
The unprovoked war on Iran disrupted global energy product supplies, reignited food and overall inflation, and gasoline prices soared as much as 50% in the U.S. and Asia.
India, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and other Asian countries are bracing for the second wave of inflation shock as the steep rise in energy prices works its way through their economies.
At the start of the new month, benchmark indexes in Europe advanced between 1.5% and 1.9%, in Japan soared nearly 5%, soared 8% in South Korea, and in India advanced 1.7%.
U.S. Movers
RH plunged 19% to $113.02 after the home furnishing company estimated full-year revenue growth between 4% and 8%, significantly lower than the market expectation of 9%.
Dave & Buster's Entertainment advanced 6.2% to $11.50, and the company guided an increase in revenue, adjusted operating earnings, and same-store sales in 2026.
Nike, Inc. dropped 10.2% to $47.24 after the athletic shoe and apparel maker estimated weaker-than-expected revenue in the current quarter.
- Akira Ito
- 01 Apr, 2026
- Tokyo
Stocks in Japan rebounded amid hopes that tensions in the Middle East are likely to de-escalate sooner than previously expected.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced more than 4%, and the broader Topix gained nearly 5% amid a sharp rebound in market sentiment.
Japan's benchmark indexes ended a four-day losing streak, and the yen advanced to 158.31 against the U.S. dollar.
Despite the sharp rebound in the Asian markets, investors remained skeptical, and crude oil prices budged a little.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the ceasefire and demanded compensation, guarantees, and Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 4.5% to 53,600.89, and the broader Topix added 4.5% to 3,664.15.
Technology, semiconductor equipment makers, and AI-related stocks advanced in Tuesday's trading.
SoftBank, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Disco Corp. surged between 3% and 7%.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha advanced between 1% and 4%.
- Akira Ito
- 01 Apr, 2026
- Tokyo
Stocks in Japan rebounded amid hopes that tensions in the Middle East are likely to de-escalate sooner than previously expected.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced more than 4%, and the broader Topix gained nearly 5% amid a sharp rebound in market sentiment.
Japan's benchmark indexes ended a four-day losing streak, and the yen advanced to 158.31 against the U.S. dollar.
Despite the sharp rebound in the Asian markets, investors remained skeptical, and crude oil prices budged a little.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the ceasefire and demanded compensation, guarantees, and Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 4.5% to 53,600.89, and the broader Topix added 4.5% to 3,664.15.
Technology, semiconductor equipment makers, and AI-related stocks advanced in Tuesday's trading.
SoftBank, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Disco Corp. surged between 3% and 7%.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha advanced between 1% and 4%.
- Li Chen
- 01 Apr, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong in the hopes that the U.S. and Israel's war on Iran is likely to end as early as two weeks.
The Hang Seng Index jumped 2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 1.4%, reflecting the surge in overnight trading.
Wall Street indexes soared between 2% and 3% in overnight trading amid hopes that the U.S. is ready to end its bombing campaign on Iran and look for a diplomatic solution to resume transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Benchmark indexes in Japan soared 4.5%, in South Korea surged 6%, and in India advanced 2.5%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index soared 2% to 25,276.65, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1.4% to 4,513.65.
Technology and AI-related stocks led gainers in Hong Kong trading on Tuesday.
Alibaba Group, Meituan, Tencent Holdings, SMIC, and Badu jumped between 3% and 5%.
BYD, Xiaomi, and Geely Automobile Holding meandered in active trading.
Sun Hung Kai Properties, Henderson Land Development, and China Vanke advanced between 2% and 3%.
- Li Chen
- 01 Apr, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong in the hopes that the U.S. and Israel's war on Iran is likely to end as early as two weeks.
The Hang Seng Index jumped 2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 1.4%, reflecting the surge in overnight trading.
Wall Street indexes soared between 2% and 3% in overnight trading amid hopes that the U.S. is ready to end its bombing campaign on Iran and look for a diplomatic solution to resume transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Benchmark indexes in Japan soared 4.5%, in South Korea surged 6%, and in India advanced 2.5%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index soared 2% to 25,276.65, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1.4% to 4,513.65.
Technology and AI-related stocks led gainers in Hong Kong trading on Tuesday.
Alibaba Group, Meituan, Tencent Holdings, SMIC, and Badu jumped between 3% and 5%.
BYD, Xiaomi, and Geely Automobile Holding meandered in active trading.
Sun Hung Kai Properties, Henderson Land Development, and China Vanke advanced between 2% and 3%.
- Akira Ito
- 30 Mar, 2026
- Tokyo
Escalating tensions in the Middle East and surging oil prices continued to weigh on stocks in Japan and Asia.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 2.8%, and the broader Topix declined 2.9%, and the yen weakened to 159.74 against the U.S. dollar.
The steady slide in the yen raised the prospect of verbal intervention from the finance ministry, and Japan is set to release crude oil from the emergency reserve to counter energy supply shock because of the war on Iran.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated after Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen launched missile attacks targeting energy infrastructure in Israel.
Benchmark indexes in Japan erased gains of the first two months of 2026 as the first quarter approached the closure.
The Topix index increased 1.9%, and the Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased a fraction amid growing speculation that the Bank of Japan is more likely to raise rates next month.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 2.8% to 51,885.85, and the broader Topix declined 2.9% to 3,542.34.
Stocks traded volatile as several stocks traded ex-dividend on Monday with the fiscal year ending in March.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined around 2%.
Technology and AI-linked stocks led decliners in Tokyo on Monday, and SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest Corp. fell between 6% and 4%.
- Akira Ito
- 30 Mar, 2026
- Tokyo
Escalating tensions in the Middle East and surging oil prices continued to weigh on stocks in Japan and Asia.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 2.8%, and the broader Topix declined 2.9%, and the yen weakened to 159.74 against the U.S. dollar.
The steady slide in the yen raised the prospect of verbal intervention from the finance ministry, and Japan is set to release crude oil from the emergency reserve to counter energy supply shock because of the war on Iran.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated after Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen launched missile attacks targeting energy infrastructure in Israel.
Benchmark indexes in Japan erased gains of the first two months of 2026 as the first quarter approached the closure.
The Topix index increased 1.9%, and the Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased a fraction amid growing speculation that the Bank of Japan is more likely to raise rates next month.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 2.8% to 51,885.85, and the broader Topix declined 2.9% to 3,542.34.
Stocks traded volatile as several stocks traded ex-dividend on Monday with the fiscal year ending in March.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined around 2%.
Technology and AI-linked stocks led decliners in Tokyo on Monday, and SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest Corp. fell between 6% and 4%.
- Li Chen
- 30 Mar, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong extended the previous week's losses as market sentiment deteriorated amid escalating Middle Eastern tensions.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.2%, and Brent crude oil prices edged up 2%.
Market sentiment remained fragile as Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched missile strikes targeting Israel, heightening risks to energy supply routes.
Moreover, two China-bound oil tankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, despite stable relationships between Tehran and Beijing.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1% to 24,700.49, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.2% to 4,493.24.
As the month and the first quarter approached the closure, the Hang Seng was down 6.3%, and the CSI 300 Index had fallen 4.9%.
PetroChina and CNOOC advanced more than 1.4% in Hong Kong trading, driven by higher crude oil and natural gas prices.
Technology stocks led decliners in Hong Kong and China, and CATL, BYD, SMIC, and Luxshare Precision fell between 1% and 3%.
- Li Chen
- 30 Mar, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong extended the previous week's losses as market sentiment deteriorated amid escalating Middle Eastern tensions.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.2%, and Brent crude oil prices edged up 2%.
Market sentiment remained fragile as Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched missile strikes targeting Israel, heightening risks to energy supply routes.
Moreover, two China-bound oil tankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, despite stable relationships between Tehran and Beijing.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1% to 24,700.49, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.2% to 4,493.24.
As the month and the first quarter approached the closure, the Hang Seng was down 6.3%, and the CSI 300 Index had fallen 4.9%.
PetroChina and CNOOC advanced more than 1.4% in Hong Kong trading, driven by higher crude oil and natural gas prices.
Technology stocks led decliners in Hong Kong and China, and CATL, BYD, SMIC, and Luxshare Precision fell between 1% and 3%.
- Li Chen
- 27 Mar, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong meandered amid persistent uncertainty over the Middle East conflict.
The Hang Seng Index gained 0.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.3% as the U.S. prepared for ground invasion.
Stocks lacked direction amid worries that shipment of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain disrupted for many more weeks.
Moreover, the U.S. and Iran appeared to be further apart in their demands, and a ceasefire is increasingly unlikely.
The U.S. president extended ceasefire talks by ten more days as the U.S. Navy and Air Force prepared for a ground invasion and to choke off Iran's energy shipments.
The U.S. is preparing to invade Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas as early as next week, and at least 7,000 military personnel are involved, according to sources close to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
On the domestic economic front, China's industrial profit soared 15.2% in January-February from a year ago and expanded from 0.6% in 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
The pace of increase was the fastest since 2018, excluding the post-pandemic rebound of 2021, highlighting the strength of the recovery before the latest oil price shock driven by the conflict in the Middle East.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.4% to 24,941.07, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 0.3% to 4,495.52.
Benchmark indexes in Hong Kong decreased 1% and in the mainland declined 3% after a week of chaotic trading.
Meituan increased 1.4% to HK$87.90, despite the food and on-demand delivery platform operator reporting weaker-than-expected quarterly results.
Adjusted net income in the fourth quarter swung to a loss of 15 billion yuan compared to a profit of 9.8 billion yuan a year ago.
The intense price competition between Alibaba and JD.com negatively impacted the companies' quarterly results.
Kuaishou Technology advanced 1% to HK $46.08 after the short video and live streaming video platform operator reported fourth-quarter results.
Revenue rose 12% to 39.5 billion yuan, and the company plans to increase its capital expenditure by 70% to 26 billion yuan.
The company plans to increase its investment in artificial infrastructure and foundational models and agents, co-founder and CEO Cheng Yixiao said on an earnings call with investors.
- Li Chen
- 27 Mar, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong meandered amid persistent uncertainty over the Middle East conflict.
The Hang Seng Index gained 0.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.3% as the U.S. prepared for ground invasion.
Stocks lacked direction amid worries that shipment of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain disrupted for many more weeks.
Moreover, the U.S. and Iran appeared to be further apart in their demands, and a ceasefire is increasingly unlikely.
The U.S. president extended ceasefire talks by ten more days as the U.S. Navy and Air Force prepared for a ground invasion and to choke off Iran's energy shipments.
The U.S. is preparing to invade Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas as early as next week, and at least 7,000 military personnel are involved, according to sources close to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.4% to 24,941.07, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 0.3% to 4,495.52.
Benchmark indexes in Hong Kong decreased 1% and in the mainland declined 3% after a week of chaotic trading.
Meituan increased 1.4% to HK$87.90, despite the food and on-demand delivery platform operator reporting weaker-than-expected quarterly results.
Adjusted net income in the fourth quarter swung to a loss of 15 billion yuan compared to a profit of 9.8 billion yuan a year ago.
The intense price competition between Alibaba and JD.com negatively impacted the companies' quarterly results.
Kuaishou Technology advanced 1% to HK $46.08 after the short video and live streaming video platform operator reported fourth-quarter results.
Revenue rose 12% to 39.5 billion yuan, and the company plans to increase its capital expenditure by 70% to 26 billion yuan.
The company plans to increase its investment in artificial infrastructure and foundational models and agents, co-founder and CEO Cheng Yixiao said on an earnings call with investors.
- Li Chen
- 27 Mar, 2026
- Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong meandered amid persistent uncertainty over the Middle East conflict.
The Hang Seng Index gained 0.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.3% as the U.S. prepared for ground invasion.
Stocks lacked direction amid worries that shipment of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain disrupted for many more weeks.
Moreover, the U.S. and Iran appeared to be further apart in their demands, and a ceasefire is increasingly unlikely.
The U.S. president extended ceasefire talks by ten more days as the U.S. Navy and Air Force prepared for a ground invasion and to choke off Iran's energy shipments.
The U.S. is preparing to invade Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas as early as next week, and at least 7,000 military personnel are involved, according to sources close to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.4% to 24,941.07, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 0.3% to 4,495.52.
Benchmark indexes in Hong Kong decreased 1% and in the mainland declined 3% after a week of chaotic trading.
Meituan increased 1.4% to HK$87.90, despite the food and on-demand delivery platform operator reporting weaker-than-expected quarterly results.
Adjusted net income in the fourth quarter swung to a loss of 15 billion yuan compared to a profit of 9.8 billion yuan a year ago.
The intense price competition between Alibaba and JD.com negatively impacted the companies' quarterly results.
Kuaishou Technology advanced 1% to HK $46.08 after the short video and live streaming video platform operator reported fourth-quarter results.
Revenue rose 12% to 39.5 billion yuan, and the company plans to increase its capital expenditure by 70% to 26 billion yuan.
The company plans to increase its investment in artificial infrastructure and foundational models and agents, co-founder and CEO Cheng Yixiao said on an earnings call with investors.
- Barry Adams
- 26 Mar, 2026
- New York City
Stocks in New York edged lower amid ongoing uncertainty over the conflict in the Middle East, and crude oil prices turned higher.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.6%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.7% as investors reviewed contradictory statements from the U.S. president.
The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil increased 3% to $93.36 a barrel, and the Brent crude price rose 4% to $106.26 a barrel.
Iran rejected the U.S. claims of ceasefire talks, and the embattled nation demanded $100 billion in war reparations and fees for the passage of oil cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
At least 30% to 40% of energy infrastructure is destroyed in the Middle East after Iran stepped up its attacks in retaliation for the U.S.-Iran joint strikes.
Market sentiment improved after Japan received two oil tankers from the Middle East, easing some supply pressures, but shipments to India, Taiwan, and Korea have lagged expectations.
Moreover, investors worried that the recent surge in crude oil prices could stoke overall U.S. and global inflation if the war in the Middle East continues several more weeks.
Despite the calls for a ceasefire, the U.S. is preparing for a ground offensive targeting Iran's southern coast, and as many as 9,000 soldiers are preparing for the invasion that could come as early as midnight Friday.
U.S. Movers
MillerKnoll, Inc. dropped 19% to $15.74 after the office furniture company reported weaker-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results.
Worthington Steel plunged 14% to $30.10 after the steel processing company reported a sharp decline in adjusted earnings compared to a year ago.
Chewy Inc. soared 13% to $26.57 after the online pet food store operator reported quarterly results and estimated another year of revenue growth and margin expansion.
Paychex jumped 3% to $93.36 after the payroll processing services provider reported solid results in the fiscal third quarter.
- Barry Adams
- 26 Mar, 2026
- New York City
Stocks in New York edged lower amid ongoing uncertainty over the conflict in the Middle East, and crude oil prices turned higher.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.6%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.7% as investors reviewed contradictory statements from the U.S. president.
The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil increased 3% to $93.36 a barrel, and the Brent crude price rose 4% to $106.26 a barrel.
Iran rejected the U.S. claims of ceasefire talks, and the embattled nation demanded $100 billion in war reparations and fees for the passage of oil cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
At least 30% to 40% of energy infrastructure is destroyed in the Middle East after Iran stepped up its attacks in retaliation for the U.S.-Iran joint strikes.
Market sentiment improved after Japan received two oil tankers from the Middle East, easing some supply pressures, but shipments to India, Taiwan, and Korea have lagged expectations.
Moreover, investors worried that the recent surge in crude oil prices could stoke overall U.S. and global inflation if the war in the Middle East continues several more weeks.
Despite the calls for a ceasefire, the U.S. is preparing for a ground offensive targeting Iran's southern coast, and as many as 9,000 soldiers are preparing for the invasion that could come as early as midnight Friday.
U.S. Movers
MillerKnoll, Inc. dropped 19% to $15.74 after the office furniture company reported weaker-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results.
Worthington Steel plunged 14% to $30.10 after the steel processing company reported a sharp decline in adjusted earnings compared to a year ago.
Chewy Inc. soared 13% to $26.57 after the online pet food store operator reported quarterly results and estimated another year of revenue growth and margin expansion.
Paychex jumped 3% to $93.36 after the payroll processing services provider reported solid results in the fiscal third quarter.
- Akira Ito
- 26 Mar, 2026
- Tokyo
Stocks in Tokyo meandered amid contradictory signals from the U.S. and Iran, and investors shifted their attention to the earnings outlook.
The Nikkei 225 stock average fell 0.7%, and the broader Topix index decreased 0.6%.
Brent crude oil prices rose 2.1% to $104.29 a barrel as Iran rejected the U.S. claims of ceasefire talks, and the embattled nation demanded $100 billion in war reparations and fees for the passage of oil cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
At least 30% to 40% of energy infrastructure is destroyed in the Middle East after Iran stepped up its attacks in retaliation for the U.S.-Iran joint strikes.
Market sentiment improved after Japan received two oil tankers from the Middle East, easing some supply pressures.
However, investors worried that the recent surge in crude oil prices could stoke overall inflation if the war in the Middle East continues.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.7% to 53,391.31, and the broader Topix Index declined 0.6% to 3,628.60.
Kioxia Holdings, SoftBank Group, Advantest Corp., and Tokyo Electron increased between 0.2% and 0.4%.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, Mizuho Financial, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial traded volatilely and swung between losses and gains.
Nippon Yusen KK increased by 0.9%, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines advanced 2.2%, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha advanced between 5%.