Global markets breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday morning following signs of a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. American statements suggested a potential peace plan with Iran, leading to a decline in oil prices below $100 per barrel. US President Donald Trump confirmed negotiations were underway with Tehran to resolve the crisis, while media outlets like The New York Times and Israeli Channel 12 reported that the US administration proposed a 15-point peace plan through Pakistan, which maintains good relations with both parties.
The American proposal included a one-month ceasefire to allow Iranian authorities time to consider the demands. Although Tehran’s stance remains uncertain, markets welcomed the news, with oil prices dropping and European stocks rising. The Paris stock exchange saw an increase of 1.68%, Frankfurt 1.71%, London 1.25%, and Milan 1.72%. Asian stock indices such as Nikkei, KOSPI, Shanghai, and Hang Seng also reflected a strong upward trend, indicating optimism among investors.
On the oil front, Iran announced that non-hostile vessels can now safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant easing for the global energy market and alleviating pressure on crude prices. Experts estimate that restoring oil movement through the strait will positively impact global supplies, especially since approximately 20% of global oil production passes through this strategic point.
In the financial markets, sovereign debt saw a slight decline in yields, with the yield on the German ten-year bond down to 2.96% and the French yield to 3.66%, while the British yield fell to 4.86%. However, analysts caution that recent tensions and rising energy prices may exert pressure on corporate costs and limit profits, as concerns persist regarding the ability of central banks, particularly the US Federal Reserve, to cut interest rates this year.
