US equity futures are modestly lower. Asian markets ended mostly higher with strength in tech-led benchmarks, and European equities are also firmer. Markets are trading cautiously with focus on the Middle East, as concerns over the durability of the ceasefire persist despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Developments around potential talks and continued military activity are keeping sentiment in check, while uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and oil flows remains a key overhang. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are intersecting with policy and economic considerations, including discussions around energy supply in Europe and broader global trade and security dynamics.

Companies mentioned: Alibaba, Anthropic, Abbott Labs

US equity futures are modestly lower. Asian markets are mostly lower and European equities are also weaker. Risk appetite is softer as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh on sentiment despite the recent US-Iran ceasefire. Ongoing military activity and conflicting details around the agreement are raising doubts about its durability, with developments including Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed threats around the Strait of Hormuz. Markets are also navigating shifting central bank expectations, with reduced pricing for US rate cuts and expectations for tightening in Europe, while elevated oil prices and constrained shipping activity are seen as potential headwinds to a full recovery in risk assets.

Companies mentioned: Nebius Group, Anthropic

S&P futures have advanced +2.5% following the ceasefire agreement. Asian markets closed higher across the board with notable gains in tech stocks. Japan’s Nikkei surged +5.5%, Korea's Kospi rallied +7%, and Greater China markets also saw sizable gains. European markets are sharply higher as early trades see the STOXX 600 up +3.5%, German DAX up +4.5%, and French CAC up +4%.

Companies Mentioned: Ford, BlackRock

US equity futures are modestly lower. Asian markets ended mostly higher and European equities are broadly higher after long Easter weekend. Markets remain focused on Middle East developments, with attention on potential US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s infrastructure ahead of a key US deadline. Iran continues to reject a temporary ceasefire proposal, pushing instead for a permanent resolution before reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The evolving situation is driving intraday volatility across equities and oil, while recent US data has provided some underlying support to risk sentiment.

Companies Mentioned: Apple, SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google

US equity futures lower with S&P down. Bonds are firmer, with treasury yields backing up. US 10-year adds 3 bps to 4.4%. Similar move seen in Gilts. Bund higher at 3%. Dollar rallies. Oil sharply higher. WTI crude above $106/bbl and Brent near $108. Gold lower. Industrial metals lower. Bitcoin falls. European equity markets are lower, Asian equity markets under pressure, with deep losses for Kospi. Nikkei is more than 2% lower. Hang Seng also weaker. Sentiment deteriorated after Trump's address on Iran. While he touted military accomplishments and reiterated aim of ending strikes in 2-3 weeks, he also hinted at escalation and there was a lack of emphasis on negotiations for a clear pathway to end conflict. He reiterated threat to destroy energy plants if no deal reached. Note that earlier reports mentioned ceasefire offer conditional on reopening Strait of Hormuz, but NY Times intel sources said Iran sees no reason for serious talks amid belief it has leverage.

Companies mentioned: Kakao Mobility, Uber, Amazon, Globalstar, Estee Lauder, Puig

S&P futures are up +0.5% following sharp rebounds on Tuesday. Asian markets surged on easing geopolitical tensions around the Iran conflict today. Japan’s Nikkei and Topix both closed near +5% higher, and South Korea’s Kospi surged +8%, temporarily triggering a futures trading halt due to extreme gains in chip stocks. Gains were more modest in China. European equities are also sharply higher with major benchmarks up +1-2%.

Companies Mentioned: OpenAI, Google, Microsoft