Sources: 
Asia stocks faced a challenging end to the week, with technology shares declining amid ongoing U.S.-Iran peace negotiations that showed little progress.
The
Brent crude price for June is rising, hitting $106.21 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions, despite President Trump announcing an indefinite extension of a ceasefire with Iran.
The Kingdom tightened its grip on the
Strait of Hormuz, showcasing military maneuvers that have stirred investor anxiety. Wall Street mirrored this sentiment, with the
S&P 500 falling 0.4% to 7,108.40 after weeks of gains.
Regional markets struggled to maintain upward momentum from a recent rally that was driven significantly by
artificial intelligence-linked stocks. The stalled negotiations have exacerbated fears of disrupted oil supplies, as the
global energy shock from the Iranian conflict looms large.
Japan's inflation figures did show a slight increase, with prices rising 1.8% year-on-year in March, but concerns linger about the Bank of Japan's potential policy shifts.
This confluence of economic factors has dampened appetite for risk assets, with investors bracing for the impact of rising oil prices on inflation and market stability.
Sources: 1
Asia shares fluctuated Friday as tech losses hindered growth, with stalled U.S.-Iran peace talks and escalating oil prices adding to investor concerns. Brent crude rose over 1% to $106.21 per barrel. Meanwhile, Wall Street's S&P 500 halted its rally, reflecting broader market unease.
