Asian markets may look stable, but the underlying story has changed and investors need to pay attention.
- Asian stocks steady despite peace deal progress
- Oil falls to ~US$75–78/barrel
- US-Iran ceasefire extended by 60 days
- Nikkei hits record highs on AI momentum
- US stocks fall as rate hike expectations rise
- Bond yields moving higher again
Oil Is No Longer the Main Risk
With the peace deal in place:
- Supply disruption fears are easing
- Oil flows are expected to gradually resume
- Risk premium is being priced out
Lower oil = easing inflation pressure
This is a positive shift for markets especially for energy-importing economies.
But Rates Are Taking Over
At the same time:
- The Fed is leaning more hawkish
- Markets are pricing possible rate hikes
- Bond yields are rising
Higher rates are now the dominant driver
This is why:
- US equities pulled back
- Growth stocks are under pressure
The Market Is Repricing
We are seeing a clear transition:
- From geopolitical risk → easing tensions
- To macro risk → tighter financial conditions
This shift is critical because rate pressure tends to last longer than geopolitical shocks.
Key Takeaway
- Falling oil helps reduce inflation fears
- But rising rates increase valuation pressure
- Equity upside may be capped in the near term
- AI remains a long-term structural driver, but macro matters now
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