Market sentiment suddenly reversed.
Following the ceasefire signals issued by the US and Iran, global financial market sentiment received a significant boost. This morning (April 1), after the opening of the Japanese and South Korean stock markets, all major indices surged comprehensively.$Korea Composite Index (.KOSPI.KR)$with some indices surging over 5% at one point.$Nikkei 225 (.N225.JP)$Some indices soared by more than 1800 points. The Korea Exchange triggered a circuit breaker for the KOSPI index after the KOSPI 200 futures rose by 5%, halting program trading for five minutes. Overnight, the three major US stock indices surged significantly, with the Nasdaq Composite Index skyrocketing nearly 4%, and large-cap technology stocks generally rising.
According to Xinhua News Agency, US President Trump stated that the United States might conclude its military operations in Iran within two to three weeks. He anticipated that American troops would withdraw from Iran within 'two to three weeks.' The White House announced that Trump would deliver a national address at 9 PM Eastern Time on April 1 to provide an 'important update' on the Iran issue.
Meanwhile, Israel made a significant move. On the evening of March 31, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a video speech, claiming that Israel had inflicted a 'heavy blow' on Iran and was establishing some 'new regional alliances' to counter the 'Iranian threat.'
Asia-Pacific Market Strong Rebound
This morning, Japanese and South Korean stock markets opened sharply higher, with the South Korean Composite Index surging over 5% at the opening; the Nikkei 225 Index opened 1.75% higher, and its gains quickly expanded. As of 8:10 AM, it surged 1800 points, with an increase of over 3%; the TOPIX also rose more than 3%; and the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index gained over 2%.
Overnight, the three major US stock indices soared significantly. At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 2.49%, the Nasdaq Composite Index skyrocketed 3.83%, and the S&P 500 Index surged 2.91%, all recording the largest single-day gains since May of last year.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Trump said to the media while signing an executive order at the White House on March 31 that the United States might conclude its military operations in Iran within two to three weeks.
"We will be leaving very soon," Trump said. "I think in about two to three weeks. We will leave because there is no reason to continue doing this."
Trump stated that he has only one goal, which is to ensure Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, "and that goal has been achieved." The U.S. military is completing its final tasks, "I believe it may be done within two weeks, perhaps a few more days."
Trump also mentioned that if an agreement with Iran is reached, the conflict might end earlier. However, the U.S. can conclude the conflict without an agreement with Iran, "If they want to sit down and talk, that's fine. But it doesn't matter whether they come or not."
Regarding the restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated that the U.S. is not responsible for the Strait of Hormuz, "We have nothing to do with it," "It is the responsibility of all countries that need to use this strait."
Previously, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that Iran is willing to end the war, provided its demands are met, especially assurances that it will not face aggression again.
Israel is forming a 'regional alliance' against Iran
According to Xinhua News Agency, on the evening of March 31, Netanyahu delivered a video speech, stating that Israel had "heavily struck" Iran. He also mentioned that Israel was establishing some "new regional alliances" to counter the "Iranian threat."
Netanyahu listed Israel's achievements against Iran, including weakening Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile program, infrastructure, domestic security forces, and leadership. He also referenced Israel’s military actions against the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi forces in Yemen, and Palestinian armed groups in the West Bank, claiming that Israel has established extensive "buffer zones" in the Gaza Strip, Syria, and Lebanon.
Netanyahu stated that, in addition to deepening the U.S.-Israel alliance, "we are creating new alliances with key countries in the region to address the common Iranian threat." He did not elaborate further.
According to an analysis by The Times of Israel, Netanyahu's speech may have been preparation for a potential communication strategy should the U.S. decide to end its military operations against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi posted on social media on March 31st, stating: 'Nothing could more ironically mock the slogan of 'America First' than waging war for a foreign regime (Israel) and profiting from the deaths of young soldiers sent to the front lines.'
Araghchi accompanied this post with a screenshot of a webpage showing a report by the Financial Times that revealed an investment broker for US Defense Secretary Hegseth attempted to channel large sums of money into military-industrial funds shortly before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. This revelation has sparked suspicions of 'insider trading' from outside observers.
Araghchi described this as an unnecessary 'selective war,' which was 'imposed on both the American people and the Iranian people.'
Editor/Melody