Market Update
Japan's Producer Price Inflation Accelerated In March, Fast Retailing Soared to a New High
Akira Ito
10 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes soared on Friday and extended weekly gains amid optimism over a cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased nearly 2%, the broader Topix was nearly unchanged, and the yen edged up to 159.26 against the U.S. dollar.
For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 7%, and the Topix gained 2.5%.
Investors looked ahead to diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, and tensions rose after Israel continued its bombing strikes in southern Lebanon.
On the economic front, Japan's producer price inflation quickened in March, driven by the rise in imported energy prices.
The Producer Price Index rose 2.6% from a year ago in March, accelerating from the marginally revised 2.1% rise in the previous month, according to data released by the Bank of Japan.
The measure of wholesale inflation rose at the fastest pace since November amid elevated cost pressures, confirming early signs of the impact of the Iran war.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.8% to 56,898.57, and the broader Topix decreased 0.1% to 3,739.44.
Fast Retailing soared 12% to ¥75,540.00 after the parent company of Uniqlo lifted its outlook for its annual operating profit, driven by strong momentum outside its core markets in Japan and China.
Fast Retailing lifted its operating income to 700 billion yen, or $4.4 billion, for the fiscal year ending in August, up from a prior forecast of 650 billion yen.
The retailer confirmed that it expects no impact on its production and logistics in its fiscal 2026 from the war in the Middle East.
Japan's Producer Price Inflation Accelerated In March, Fast Retailing Soared to a New High
Akira Ito
10 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes soared on Friday and extended weekly gains amid optimism over a cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased nearly 2%, the broader Topix was nearly unchanged, and the yen edged up to 159.26 against the U.S. dollar.
For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 7%, and the Topix gained 2.5%.
Investors looked ahead to diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, and tensions rose after Israel continued its bombing strikes in southern Lebanon.
On the economic front, Japan's producer price inflation quickened in March, driven by the rise in imported energy prices.
The Producer Price Index rose 2.6% from a year ago in March, accelerating from the marginally revised 2.1% rise in the previous month, according to data released by the Bank of Japan.
The measure of wholesale inflation rose at the fastest pace since November amid elevated cost pressures, confirming early signs of the impact of the Iran war.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.8% to 56,898.57, and the broader Topix decreased 0.1% to 3,739.44.
Fast Retailing soared 12% to ¥75,540.00 after the parent company of Uniqlo lifted its outlook for its annual operating profit, driven by strong momentum outside its core markets in Japan and China.
Fast Retailing lifted its operating income to 700 billion yen, or $4.4 billion, for the fiscal year ending in August, up from a prior forecast of 650 billion yen.
The retailer confirmed that it expects no impact on its production and logistics in its fiscal 2026 from the war in the Middle East.
China's Producer Prices Turned Positive In Three Years as Iran War Fans Inflationary Forces
Li Chen
10 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China rebounded amid improving expectations following the release of inflation reports.
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained more than 1%.
China's consumer price index advanced 1% from a year ago in March, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The core rate of inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased by 1.1% compared to a year ago; food prices rose by 0.3%, consumer goods prices advanced by 1.3%, and service prices edged up by 0.8%.
The persistent weak consumer demand kept inflation in check.
However, producer prices rose at a faster pace in March, and the inflation rate turned positive for the first time in 41 months.
The Producer Price Index advanced 0.5% from a year ago in an early sign that the Persian Gulf War is starting to impact producers around the world.
Factory-gate prices rose for the first time in more than three years as the higher crude oil and natural gas prices began to ripple through the economy.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6% to 25,910.07, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1.2% to 4,620.14.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Entertainment, and Baidu Inc. advanced between 2% and 4%.
BYD, Xpeng, and Geely Automobile are between 1% and 3%.
China's Producer Prices Turned Positive In Three Years as Iran War Fans Inflationary Forces
Li Chen
10 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China rebounded amid improving expectations following the release of inflation reports.
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained more than 1%.
China's consumer price index advanced 1% from a year ago in March, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The core rate of inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased by 1.1% compared to a year ago; food prices rose by 0.3%, consumer goods prices advanced by 1.3%, and service prices edged up by 0.8%.
The persistent weak consumer demand kept inflation in check.
However, producer prices rose at a faster pace in March, and the inflation rate turned positive for the first time in 41 months.
The Producer Price Index advanced 0.5% from a year ago in an early sign that the Persian Gulf War is starting to impact producers around the world.
Factory-gate prices rose for the first time in more than three years as the higher crude oil and natural gas prices began to ripple through the economy.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6% to 25,910.07, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1.2% to 4,620.14.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Entertainment, and Baidu Inc. advanced between 2% and 4%.
BYD, Xpeng, and Geely Automobile are between 1% and 3%.
U.S. Stocks Headed South and Crude Oil Jumped as Fragile US-Iran Truce Appeared to Crack
Barry Adams
09 Apr, 2026
New York City
Benchmark indexes on Wall Street edged lower amid uncertainty over the recently announced two-week cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.4% after Israel continued bombing civilian targets in Lebanon.
Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire agreement, citing Israel's drone entering Iran's airspace.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices jumped 5.3% to $99.37 a barrel, and Brent crude prices soared 4% to $98.49 a barrel as investors remained skeptical about the rebound in energy products shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Investor sentiment remained fragile amid worry that hostilities are likely to resume in the Persian Gulf as the U.S. amasses military assets in the region and Israel restocks missiles.
Moreover, Iran is looking for ways to improve its targeting capabilities to energy infrastructure of Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia and extend its missile-target range to 4,000 kilometer.
U.S. Movers
Constellation Brands declined 0.9% to $149.01 after the beer and alcoholic beverage distributor reported fiscal fourth quarter results.
The stock declined after the company's full-year adjusted earnings per share range between $11.20 and $11.90 fell short of market expectations.
Crude oil and energy-related stocks rose following a rebound in oil and gas prices.
Exxon Mobil rose 0.7% to $157.42, Chevron jumped 0.8% to $194.34, and ConocoPhillips advanced 1% to $126.49.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, Alaska Air dropped between 1% and 2%.
U.S. Stocks Headed South and Crude Oil Jumped as Fragile US-Iran Truce Appeared to Crack
Barry Adams
09 Apr, 2026
New York City
Benchmark indexes on Wall Street edged lower amid uncertainty over the recently announced two-week cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.4% after Israel continued bombing civilian targets in Lebanon.
Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire agreement, citing Israel's drone entering Iran's airspace.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices jumped 5.3% to $99.37 a barrel, and Brent crude prices soared 4% to $98.49 a barrel as investors remained skeptical about the rebound in energy products shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Investor sentiment remained fragile amid worry that hostilities are likely to resume in the Persian Gulf as the U.S. amasses military assets in the region and Israel restocks missiles.
Moreover, Iran is looking for ways to improve its targeting capabilities to energy infrastructure of Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia and extend its missile-target range to 4,000 kilometer.
U.S. Movers
Constellation Brands declined 0.9% to $149.01 after the beer and alcoholic beverage distributor reported fiscal fourth quarter results.
The stock declined after the company's full-year adjusted earnings per share range between $11.20 and $11.90 fell short of market expectations.
Crude oil and energy-related stocks rose following a rebound in oil and gas prices.
Exxon Mobil rose 0.7% to $157.42, Chevron jumped 0.8% to $194.34, and ConocoPhillips advanced 1% to $126.49.
Japan Indexes Turned Lower and Bond Yields Edged Higher Amid Persian Gulf Uncertainty
Akira Ito
09 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's benchmark indexes trimmed gains from the previous session amid lingering uncertainty over the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 0.6%, and the broader Topix eased 0.8% after crude oil prices rebounded.
Brent crude oil prices rose 3.4% to $97.98 a barrel amid growing skepticism that the two-week cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran is likely to hold.
Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, as both sides prepare to find a way to end a five-week conflict.
Iran is likely to retain its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and demand war reparations of over $100 billion, while the U.S. is looking for the end of Iran's nuclear program.
Moreover, Iran is looking for the U.S. to lift sanctions and demand Israel halt confiscating territory in southern Lebanon and Syria.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 55,959.83, and the TOPIX fell 0.8% to 3,746.02.
The yield on five-year Japanese government bonds edged up a fraction to 2.39% following the release of minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting.
A growing number of policy committee members supported the case of a rate hike to curb inflation, though many still held out for a rate cut at the next meeting.
Semiconductor equipment makers and AI-like technology stocks declined, following a surge in the previous session.
SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Lasertec declined between 2% and 4%.
Japan Indexes Turned Lower and Bond Yields Edged Higher Amid Persian Gulf Uncertainty
Akira Ito
09 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's benchmark indexes trimmed gains from the previous session amid lingering uncertainty over the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 0.6%, and the broader Topix eased 0.8% after crude oil prices rebounded.
Brent crude oil prices rose 3.4% to $97.98 a barrel amid growing skepticism that the two-week cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran is likely to hold.
Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, as both sides prepare to find a way to end a five-week conflict.
Iran is likely to retain its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and demand war reparations of over $100 billion, while the U.S. is looking for the end of Iran's nuclear program.
Moreover, Iran is looking for the U.S. to lift sanctions and demand Israel halt confiscating territory in southern Lebanon and Syria.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 55,959.83, and the TOPIX fell 0.8% to 3,746.02.
The yield on five-year Japanese government bonds edged up a fraction to 2.39% following the release of minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting.
A growing number of policy committee members supported the case of a rate hike to curb inflation, though many still held out for a rate cut at the next meeting.
Semiconductor equipment makers and AI-like technology stocks declined, following a surge in the previous session.
SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Lasertec declined between 2% and 4%.
Japan Indexes
Akira Ito
09 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's benchmark indexes trimmed gains from the previous session amid lingering uncertainty over the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 0.6%, and the broader Topix eased 0.8% after crude oil prices rebounded.
Brent crude oil prices rose 3.4% to $97.98 a barrel amid growing skepticism that the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is likely to hold.
Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, as both sides prepare to find a way to end a five-week conflict.
Iran is likely to retain its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and demand war reparations of over $100 billion, while the U.S. is looking for the end of Iran's nuclear program.
Moreover, Iran is looking for the U.S. to lift sanctions and demand Israel to halt confiscating territory in southern Lebanon and Syria.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 55,959.83, and the Topix fell 0.8% to 3,746.02.
The yield on five-year Japan's government bonds edged up a fraction to 2.39% following the release of minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting.
A growing number of policy committee members supported the case of a rate hike to curb inflation, though many still held out for a rate cut at the next meeting.
Semiconductor equipment makers and AI-liked technology stocks declined, following a surge in the previous session.
Softbank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Lasertec declined between 2% and 4%.
US-Iran Ceasefire Skepticism Clouded Market Sentiment In China and Asia
Li Chen
09 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Market sentiment in stock and commodity trading remained weak amid uncertainty over the announced two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
The Hang Seng Index declined by 0.3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased by 0.6%, erasing some of the gains made in the previous session.
Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, as both sides prepare to find a way to end a five-week conflict.
Iran is likely to retain its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and demand war reparations of over $100 billion, while the U.S. is looking for the end of Iran's nuclear program.
Brent crude oil prices rose 3% to $97.13 a barrel amid skepticism about the two-week ceasefire, and Iran's speaker of the parliament blamed Israel for the continued attacks in Lebanon and the U.S. for violating Iran's airspace.
Domestically, investors are awaiting the release of inflation data on Friday, and consumer price inflation is likely to show a modest increase, and producer price inflation is expected to be positive for the first time in nearly four years.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.3% to 25,813.49, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.6% to 4,566.22.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu Inc. lacked direction and traded around the flatline.
China Vanke, China Overseas Land & Investment, and Sun Hung Kai Properties declined between 2% and 3%.
BYD, Xpeng, and Xiaomi declined around 4%, but Geely Automobile gained 3%.
US-Iran Ceasefire Skepticism Clouded Market Sentiment In China and Asia
Li Chen
09 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Market sentiment in stock and commodity trading remained weak amid uncertainty over the announced two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
The Hang Seng Index declined by 0.3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased by 0.6%, erasing some of the gains made in the previous session.
Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, as both sides prepare to find a way to end a five-week conflict.
Iran is likely to retain its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and demand war reparations of over $100 billion, while the U.S. is looking for the end of Iran's nuclear program.
Brent crude oil prices rose 3% to $97.13 a barrel amid skepticism about the two-week ceasefire, and Iran's speaker of the parliament blamed Israel for the continued attacks in Lebanon and the U.S. for violating Iran's airspace.
Domestically, investors are awaiting the release of inflation data on Friday, and consumer price inflation is likely to show a modest increase, and producer price inflation is expected to be positive for the first time in nearly four years.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.3% to 25,813.49, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.6% to 4,566.22.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu Inc. lacked direction and traded around the flatline.
China Vanke, China Overseas Land & Investment, and Sun Hung Kai Properties declined between 2% and 3%.
BYD, Xpeng, and Xiaomi declined around 4%, but Geely Automobile gained 3%.
Oil Plunged 20% After US-Iran Agreed to a Two-Week Ceasefire
Barry Adams
08 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks shot up on Wall Street, and crude oil prices soared amid a pause in hostilities in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 Index increased 2.7%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 3.5% after Iran agreed to safeguard energy products' passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Just hours before the proposed deadline of 8:00 p.m. ET, the U.S. president suspended his threat to strike Iran's energy and power infrastructures just hours before 8:00 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, driving crude oil prices sharply lower and global stock markets higher.
Asian markets reacted first to the temporary ceasefire in the Persian Gulf for two weeks, but lasting peace is not likely to take root for years to come.
Benchmark indexes in Japan jumped 5%; in South Korea, they surged almost 7%; in India, they gained 3%; and in Europe, they jumped around 4%.
The West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures plunged 17% to $93.68 a barrel after the U.S. president delayed his threat to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure by two weeks, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The near-closure of the Iran-controlled waterway, through which about 20% of global oil flows, has roiled financial markets and raised the prospects of slower economic growth and higher inflation.
U.S. Movers
Delta Air Lines soared 12% to $73.67 after the international carrier reported better-than-expected results in its latest quarter.
Oil Plunged 20% After US-Iran Agreed to a Two-Week Ceasefire
Barry Adams
08 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks shot up on Wall Street, and crude oil prices soared amid a pause in hostilities in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 Index increased 2.7%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 3.5% after Iran agreed to safeguard energy products' passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Just hours before the proposed deadline of 8:00 p.m. ET, the U.S. president suspended his threat to strike Iran's energy and power infrastructures just hours before 8:00 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, driving crude oil prices sharply lower and global stock markets higher.
Asian markets reacted first to the temporary ceasefire in the Persian Gulf for two weeks, but lasting peace is not likely to take root for years to come.
Benchmark indexes in Japan jumped 5%; in South Korea, they surged almost 7%; in India, they gained 3%; and in Europe, they jumped around 4%.
The West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures plunged 17% to $93.68 a barrel after the U.S. president delayed his threat to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure by two weeks, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The near-closure of the Iran-controlled waterway, through which about 20% of global oil flows, has roiled financial markets and raised the prospects of slower economic growth and higher inflation.
U.S. Movers
Delta Air Lines soared 12% to $73.67 after the international carrier reported better-than-expected results in its latest quarter.
China and Hong Kong Indexes Soared 3% After the US and Iran Agreed to a Temporary Ceasefire
Li Chen
08 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong soared following a temporary truce in the Persian Gulf.
The Hang Seng Index soared nearly 3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained more than 2.5% amid a lull in the US-Iran war.
Brent crude oil prices plunged 14% to $94.41 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, raising hopes that the flow of energy products could accelerate in the near future.
About 20% of the world's crude oil supply passes through the critical waterway, and the surge in oil prices over the last five weeks has stoked fears of global stagflation.
Benchmark indexes in South Korea and Japan soared more than 4% amid improving risk appetite and receding fears of war escalation in the Persian Gulf.
China is relatively buffeted from the latest oil price shock, as the world's second-largest economy has built oil reserves that could last at least two months, and over the last decade the country has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index advanced 2.9% to 25,847.32, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index soared 2.7% to 4,563.03.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, Baidu Inc., and Meituan jumped between 4% and 6%.
CNOOC, PetroChina, and China Petroleum and Chemical decreased between 0.5% and 5%, reflecting a sharp decline in international oil prices.
China and Hong Kong Indexes Soared 3% After the US and Iran Agreed to a Temporary Ceasefire
Li Chen
08 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong soared following a temporary truce in the Persian Gulf.
The Hang Seng Index soared nearly 3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained more than 2.5% amid a lull in the US-Iran war.
Brent crude oil prices plunged 14% to $94.41 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, raising hopes that the flow of energy products could accelerate in the near future.
About 20% of the world's crude oil supply passes through the critical waterway, and the surge in oil prices over the last five weeks has stoked fears of global stagflation.
Benchmark indexes in South Korea and Japan soared more than 4% amid improving risk appetite and receding fears of war escalation in the Persian Gulf.
China is relatively buffeted from the latest oil price shock, as the world's largest economy has built oil reserves that could last at least two months, and over the last decade the country has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index advanced 2.9% to 25,847.32, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index soared 2.7% to 4,563.03.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, Baidu Inc., and Meituan jumped between 4% and 6%.
CNOOC, PetroChina, and China Petroleum and Chemical decreased between 0.5% and 5%, reflecting a sharp decline in international oil prices.