Stock markets in East Asia rose for a second straight day on Wednesday as oil prices fell and hopes grew for an agreement in the Iran war.
South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index was up as much as 3 per cent by mid-morning, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.8 per cent.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose about 1 per cent roughly an hour after the market opened.
The CSI 300 index, which tracks major stocks on mainland China, climbed 0.3 per cent. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.2 per cent by midday.
The gains followed the latest comments from U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he believed the Iran war was “close to over.”
Earlier, he had made vague remarks about a possible new round of talks in the conflict later this week.
Oil prices continued to fall on Wednesday. A barrel (159 litres) of Brent crude for June delivery was trading at around 94.50 dollars, below the important 100 dollar mark. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)