Today’s Outlook :
• US MARKET : The benchmark S&P 500 index fell 0.2% to 6,782.43, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1% to 47,706.51. The NASDAQ Composite closed nearly unchanged at 22,697.10. U.S. stocks ended slightly lower on Tuesday, as gains in the communication services sector failed to offset investor sentiment weighed down by uncertainty over when the conflict with Iran will end. Oil prices, which declined after a sharp rally in the previous session, temporarily eased inflation concerns.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump stating that the war could end soon, fighting continued with the largest U.S. airstrikes against Iran so far. Trump also warned of additional attacks if Iran attempts to block oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which about one-fifth of global oil supply passes. Trump even mentioned the possibility of taking control of the Strait of Hormuz if the situation worsens. He also threatened to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if Iran does not comply with Washington’s demands. Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.–Israel strikes at the beginning of the conflict in February, and is seen as a figure likely to continue Tehran’s hardline stance.
• EUROPEAN MARKET : European stock markets rallied on Tuesday, following gains in Asian equities after U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran could end “very soon.” The pan-European Stoxx 600 rose 1.9%, Germany’s DAX gained 2.3%, France’s CAC 40 climbed 1.8%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 advanced 1.6%.
• ASIAN MARKET : Asian stocks rebounded on Tuesday, as oil prices retreated from multi-year highs and comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran may soon ease.
South Korea’s KOSPI surged more than 6% after dropping nearly 6% in the previous session. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose nearly 4% after plunging more than 5% on Monday, while the TOPIX index also gained about 3%. Investor sentiment improved after Trump said the conflict involving Iran could be nearing its end, easing fears of a prolonged war.
Asian markets also drew support from stronger-than-expected trade data from China. Data showed China’s exports jumped 21.8% YoY in the January–February period, far exceeding expectations, while imports rose nearly 20%, reflecting strong domestic demand. The data underscores the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy amid ongoing global trade tensions and tariffs.
• COMMODITIES : Oil prices plunged more than 11% on Tuesday, marking the largest daily drop since 2022, after U.S. President Donald Trump predicted the war with Iran that disrupted global oil flows could end soon. Brent crude fell US$11.16 (11%) to US$87.80 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined US$11.32 (11.9%) to US$83.45 per barrel. Both benchmarks posted their largest single-day percentage drop since March 2022, after previously surging to four-year highs.
The decline deepened after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the U.S. military had facilitated oil shipments out of the Strait of Hormuz and escorted tankers to ensure oil supply continues to flow to global markets. Energy prices have also become a political issue ahead of the U.S. congressional midterm elections in November, as Republicans seek to retain control amid voter concerns over rising energy costs.
• INDONESIA : The JCI rebounded +1.41% to 7,440.9, in line with global equity markets and declining crude oil prices. However, caution is still warranted as global conditions remain tense and oil prices continue to show high volatility.
Download Full Report HERE.
