Mixed Openings: Investors Adopt Wait-and-See Stance on Trump's Clarity Regarding Iran's Peace Proposal

Jakarta, VIVA – Asia-Pacific stock exchanges moved fluctuatively at the opening of trading today, Tuesday, 28 April 2026. Index movements were influenced by investors’ cautious stance as they observed developments in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran amid geopolitical uncertainties.

White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that US President Donald Trump is reportedly discussing Iran’s offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has set conditions, namely that the US must lift the blockade and end the war.

However, Trump has yet to provide clarity on whether the lifting of sanctions will only occur after a 100 percent agreement is finalised or if he is willing to consider the proposal as a way to de-escalate the conflict that has lasted for two months.

“I can confirm that the President (Trump) met with his national security team this morning,” Leavitt said during a press conference on Monday afternoon, 27 April 2026.

Citing CNBC International, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.49 percent after reaching a record high in Monday’s trading session, 27 April 2026. Meanwhile, the Topix index rose 0.23 percent.

In South Korea, the Kospi index weakened by 0.10 percent. The Kosdaq index, comprising small-capitalisation stocks, also declined by 0.92 percent.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index eroded by 0.58 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures index was at 25,875, lower than the previous close at 25,925.65.

Meanwhile, two benchmark Wall Street indices recorded new all-time highs. However, their gains were limited as peace negotiations with Iran stalled and new escalations in the Strait of Hormuz pushed global oil prices higher.

The broad-based stock market index, S&P 500, rose 0.12 percent and closed at a record level of 7,173.91. The Nasdaq Composite surged 0.20 percent to 24,887.10.

Both indices also reached new all-time highs (ATH) during last night’s trading session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 62.92 points or 0.13 percent to 49,167.79.