According to Danske Research Team, global equities rallied strongly as investors reacted to signs of a potential US‑Iran peace agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb nuclear ambitions. Cyclical stocks outperformed while energy lagged, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Russell 2000 all posting sizeable gains and Asian markets, notably South Korea’s KOSPI, following higher.

Cyclicals lead as energy underperforms

"Global risk sentiment was very constructive yesterday, with global equities rallying 1.3%. Cyclical stocks led the move higher, while defensives lagged at the bottom of the performance table, particularly energy suffered."

"That said, the trigger for the positive risk move happened after US President Trump announced that the US and Iran are close to reaching an agreement, potentially to be signed as soon as this coming weekend (where Trump turns 80 on Sunday)."

"The deal is expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing assurances that Iran will not further develop its nuclear weapons programme. Unsurprisingly, the prospect of such an agreement weighed significantly on oil prices and is now 4.6% lower since yesterday morning to trade at USD 88.8bbl."

"The S&P 500 finished up 1.8%, the Nasdaq gained 2.5%, and the Russell 2000 rose more than 3%. US equity futures are higher again this morning, and the same picture is evident across Asia. South Korea's KOSPI stands out in particular, advancing more than 8%."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)