Investors evaluate Trump's tough rhetoric on Iran war; Asia-Pacific stock markets fluctuate.

Can AI’s 10-Point Plan for Iran Break the Deadlock in US-Iran Negotiations?

According to Global Market Briefing, Asia-Pacific stock markets experienced choppy trading on Tuesday, with mixed gains and losses. As the final deadline for a U.S.-set ceasefire agreement approached, investors were assessing developments related to the war between the United States and Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that if Iran failed to reach a peace agreement by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, the U.S. would strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure; but he also said that Iran’s leadership is negotiating seriously.

Trump reiterated his demand that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz—the key global energy supply route. If it is restored, shipping can resume. He warned that if the requirements are not met by the deadline, U.S. forces will destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran within four hours.

The U.S. and Iran are discussing a framework plan to end the conflict, which has lasted 5 weeks. Tehran has rejected pressure from Trump to quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary ceasefire and reiterated its desire to end the war permanently.

According to the U.S. news outlet Axios, Iran has rejected the U.S. ceasefire proposal and put forward its own 10-point plan, including ending regional hostilities, establishing a security passage agreement for the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions, and post-war reconstruction.

In response to Iran’s plan, Trump said: “They have put forward… an important proposal. It’s not perfect, but it is indeed a very critical step. Let’s wait and see.”

As of 3:28 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose 2.3% to $115 per barrel; Brent crude oil futures rose about 1.5% to $111.37 per barrel.

The Australian S&P / ASX 200 Index rose 1.74%, closing at 8,728.8 points. Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index was nearly flat, up 0.03%, to 53,429.56 points; the TOPIX index rose 0.25% to 3,654.02 points.

South Korea’s blue-chip composite index rose 0.82% to 5,494.78 points; the small-cap Kosdaq index fell more than 1%, closing at 1,036.73 points.

China’s Mainland CSI 300 Index was flat at 4,440.62 points; the Hong Kong stock market remained closed on Tuesday due to the Easter holiday.

Following the choppy performance of other Asian markets, India’s Nifty 50 Index reversed its early-session decline, rising 0.23%; the Sensex Index rose 0.25%.

“As the deadline approaches, (Trump) hopes to exert greater pressure to force Iran into an agreement,” said Brian Jacobson, Chief Economic Strategist at Anix Wealth Management.

But Jacobson said that the sharp market swings driven by news also create opportunities for investors to adjust their portfolios to generate long-term returns. “When local geopolitical concerns hit the market, stock prices often swing indiscriminately. At this time, discerning investors can optimize their portfolios.”

Jacobson pointed out that companies in multiple sectors, including utilities, financials, industrials, and technology, are seeing “good entry points,” and said that defense and energy companies are the “top” beneficiaries after this conflict.

On Wall Street, S&P 500 Index futures were nearly flat overnight; Nasdaq fell by about 0.2%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 48 points, up 0.1%. The Nasdaq (21996.3372, 117.16, 0.54%) index futures declined slightly; Dow Jones (46669.8789, 165.21, 0.36%) futures rose 48 points, or 0.1%.

During Monday’s regular trading session, the S&P 500 Index rose 0.44%, the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 0.54%; the Dow for blue chips rose 165.21 points, up 0.36%.