Asian Shares Rise, Oil Holds Gains as Iran Talks and Central Banks in Focus

Asian Markets and Oil Prices Update

Asian shares rose on Wednesday while oil prices held gains as markets awaited signals on whether a fragile truce between the United States and Iran would be extended. Brent crude traded near $100 per barrel, and the dollar index held steady after gains in the previous session.

Japan's Nikkei Hits Record High

Japan's Nikkei surged to a record level, following all-time highs on Wall Street driven by AI optimism. However, sentiment remains vulnerable as talks continue to end the three-month conflict that has roiled energy markets, and central bank comments are watched for inflation and interest rate outlook.

Central Banks and Currency Markets

The New Zealand dollar weakened ahead of an expected rate hold by the central bank. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda noted supply shocks are looming, while ECB board member Isabel Schnabel advocated for a June rate hike even if a US-Iran peace deal is reached.

Commodities and Cryptocurrencies

Spot gold rose to $4,522 per ounce, while copper prices also increased. In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin traded at $75,883, and Ether remained little changed.