Asian stocks rise, oil prices fall on hopes of renewed US–Iran talks

Asian stock markets climbed on April 14 while oil prices declined, as growing expectations of a possible second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran boosted investor sentiment.

Benchmark U.S. crude dropped 1.7% in early trading to $97.37 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, fell 0.9% to $98.49 per barrel. Oil prices continued to retreat on April 14 following earlier gains, Associated Press reports.

Equity markets across Asia posted broad gains. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 2.3% to 57,804.81, while South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.7% to 5,968.06.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 0.5% to 25,783.41. Mainland China’s Shanghai Composite Index also climbed 0.5% to 4,007.93.

By Sabina Mammadli