Asia-Pacific markets trade higher as investors assess U.S.-Iran peace deal diplomacy

A screen displays share prices inside the Kabuto One building in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, April 13, 2026. Oil surged and stocks fell after President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran following the collapse of weekend peace talks. Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets traded higher Friday as investors assess U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts to reach a peace deal in the Middle East.

However, Tehran's intention to keep its enriched uranium stockpile within the country, according to a Reuters report, could complicate its negotiations with Washington, as President Donald Trump has made dismantling Iran's nuclear program a central objective of his military action against the country. Japan's Nikkei 225 ended Friday's session at 2.68% higher at 63,339.07, while the Topix added 1% at 3,892.46. Japan's core inflation eased more than expected in April to its lowest level since March 2022, weakening the case for an early rate hike by the Bank of Japan. Core inflation — which strips out prices of fresh food — came in at 1.4%, lower than the 1.7% expected by economists polled by Reuters and below the 1.8% reading in March. South Korea's Kospi rose 0.41% to 7,847.71, while the Kosdaq Index jumped nearly 5% to 1,161.13. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.41% at 8,657. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.81% in the last hour of afternoon trade, while mainland China's CSI 300 added 1.3% at 4,845.1. India's Nifty 50 gained 0.75%, while the BSE Sensex was 0.8% higher. Oil prices rose after declining in the previous session. July futures for international benchmark, Brent crude , gained 2.96% to $105.62 a barrel in Asia trading, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June advanced 2.46% at $98.68 per barrel. 10-year Treasury yield, which has backed off its highs, was last down more than 1 basis point at 4.57%.

Key points

• However, Tehran's intention to keep its enriched uranium stockpile within the country, according to a Reuters report, could complicate its negotiations with Washington, as President Donald Trump ha…
• Japan's Nikkei 225 ended Friday's session at 2.68% higher at 63,339.07, while the Topix added 1% at 3,892.46.
• Japan's core inflation eased more than expected in April to its lowest level since March 2022, weakening the case for an early rate hike by the Bank of Japan.
• Core inflation — which strips out prices of fresh food — came in at 1.4%, lower than the 1.7% expected by economists polled by Reuters and below the 1.8% reading in March.
• South Korea's Kospi rose 0.41% to 7,847.71, while the Kosdaq Index jumped nearly 5% to 1,161.13.