Asian Stock Markets Open Mixed, US-Iran Negotiations in the Spotlight

Asian stock markets moved variably as investors continue to monitor and weigh developments in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran. Investors are closely watching the latest signals from the US and Iran.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.49% after hitting a record high on Monday, while the Topix index rose 0.23%.

South Korea’s Kospi index rose 0.1%, while the Kosdaq index, covering small-cap stocks, fell 0.92%.

Australia’s stock market, the S&P/ASX 200 index, fell 0.58%.

The Hang Seng futures index in Hong Kong stood at 25,875, lower than its previous close of 25,925.65.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that US President Donald Trump and his national security team have discussed Iran’s reported offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, on the condition that the US lifts the blockade and ends the conflict.

However, it remains unclear regarding Trump, who has stated that sanctions will only be lifted after a 100% complete agreement, and is willing to consider the proposal as a path to de-escalation in the conflict that has lasted two months.

“I can confirm that the president met with his national security team this morning,” Leavitt said in a press conference, as quoted by CNBC Indonesia on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

US futures contracts rose slightly, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures up 0.12%, or 57 points. S&P 500 futures rose 0.14%, while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.15%.

Overnight in the US, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to new record highs, but gains were limited due to stalled Iran peace talks and new escalation in the Strait of Hormuz driving up oil prices.

The broad market index rose 0.12% and closed at a record 7,173.91. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.20% and recorded a closing record of 24,887.10. Both indices also reached all-time highs during the session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 62.92 points, or 0.13%, and closed at 49,167.79.