On Friday, overnight Trump announced an extension of the negotiation period with Iran. Asia-Pacific stocks experienced rising concerns over troop deployments in the Middle East in early trading, but rebounded in the afternoon, with the Korean stock market erasing a 4% drop. Spot gold and silver prices rose.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Trump posted on social media on Thursday the 26th, stating that the airstrike on Iran's energy facilities would be postponed for another ten days, until 8 PM EST on April 6th.
South Korea's Seoul Composite Index briefly turned positive, erasing its morning decline of 4.4%.
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Spot gold briefly broke through $4470/ounce, up over 2% for the day. Spot silver touched $70/ounce, up 3% for the day.
Yields on 30-year Japanese government bonds rose 14 basis points to 3.66%. Yields on 20-year Japanese government bonds rose 10 basis points to 3.22%.
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【Updated at 9:00 AM】
Despite Trump's announcement of a ten-day delay in striking Iranian energy facilities, expectations of potential troop reinforcements in the Middle East by the US Pentagon and market preparedness for possible escalation of conflict over the weekend have kept investors highly cautious.
The sell-off on Wall Street overnight spread to the Asia-Pacific region, with Asia-Pacific stock markets collectively declining on Friday. Japanese stocks fell 2%, and Australia's S&amp;P/ASX 200 fell 0.8%.
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South Korean stocks led the decline with a 4.1% drop. As a key target for AI investments, the South Korean stock market was hit first in this continuous sell-off in the technology sector. Memory stocks continued to decline, with SK Hynix down over 5% and Samsung Electronics down over 4%.
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According to Wallstreetcn.com, Trump stated that at the request of the Iranian government, the airstrike on Iranian energy facilities would be postponed for another ten days, until 8 PM EST on April 6th. However, according to Xinhua News Agency, US media reported that the US is formulating a military plan for a &#34;fatal blow&#34; against Iran, which may include the use of ground troops and large-scale bombing.
The outlook for negotiations remains uncertain. Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG Australia, stated in a research report:
<blockquote>
Extending the deadline essentially pushes the problem back, delaying any specific timeline for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which will only prolong the uncertainty hanging over the market and the global economy.
</blockquote>
Kyle Rodda, an analyst at Capital.com, pointed out that the market was caught off guard by the sudden military strike launched by the US and Israel at the end of February, when negotiations appeared to be progressing smoothly, but the US had already completed a large-scale military buildup in the Middle East. He believes:
<blockquote>
The current situation is very similar to that time, and the market is positioning itself for a potential escalation of the situation over the weekend.
</blockquote>
Crude oil fluctuated at high levels, with WTI crude oil briefly rebounding to $93.65 before falling over 1% from its daily high.
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In the currency market, the US dollar index was nearly flat with a slight dip. Conflicting information regarding the Middle East situation led foreign exchange traders to remain cautious and wait-and-see. The euro was trading at $1.1526, and the yen maintained its decline from the previous trading day.
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The Middle East situation sent mixed signals, with the market bracing for potential escalation over the weekend, and risk aversion driven by geopolitical tensions supporting gold prices. Gold rose slightly by 0.15% to $4384 per ounce.
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Overnight, Trump announced an extension of the negotiation period with Iran. Asia-Pacific stocks rebounded in morning trading, with the Korean stock market erasing a 4% drop at one point. Spot gold and silver prices rose, with spot gold briefly breaking through $4470/ounce, up over 2% for the day

- The ongoing escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions has pressured the market, pushing WTI crude oil back above $100 and causing significant declines in U.S. stock indices, with the VIX index surpassing 30.  
- Analysts note a shift in market logic, indicating growing concerns over economic slowdown and rising inflation, while geopolitical conflicts have impacted supply chains leading to shortages in Asia.  
- In response, the S&P 500 fell nearly 1.7%, entering a correction zone, as investors navigate the volatility of the market amidst evolving global tensions.

Trump Extends Iran Negotiation Deadline, Asia-Pacific Stocks Rebound Strongly, Korean Stocks Erase 4% Drop at One Point, Spot Gold and Silver Rise