Asia-Pacific markets traded higher on Tuesday even as investors weighed renewed uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran ceasefire after President Donald Trump suggested the agreement could collapse.
Regional sentiment remained supported by gains in technology shares and steady U.S. futures, although rising oil prices reflected concerns that tensions in the Middle East may continue. Trump said on Monday that the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was effectively "on life support" after rejecting Iran's latest counterproposal aimed at ending the conflict.
"I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1% chance of living,'" Trump said.
Meanwhile, Oil prices moved higher after the comments raised concerns that the conflict could drag on. Brent crude futures for July rose 0.3% to $104.51 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for June gained 0.31% to $98.40 per barrel.
South Korea led gains in the region, with the Kospi rising more than 2% after touching a record high on Monday. The small-cap Kosdaq index added 0.62%.
Japan's Nikkei 225 advanced 0.2%, while the broader Topix index gained 0.54%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was little changed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures traded at 26,421, above the benchmark's previous close of 26,406.84.
U.S. Futures Edge Higher
U.S. stock futures moved slightly higher in early Asian trade as investors assessed developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on energy markets.
S&P 500 futures were marginally higher, while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.1%. Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 24 points, or less than 0.1%.
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