Asian equities split as conflicting U.S.-Iran signals weigh on Wall Street futures

Asian equities traded mixed as easing oil prices and hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal boosted sentiment, though Wall Street futures slipped on Middle East uncertainty. Key indices rose: Japan's Nikkei +2.06%, South Korea's KOSPI +2%, China's Shanghai +0.78%, and India's SENSEX +0.6%. Conversely, Hong Kong fell 0.40% and Australia dipped 0.06%. The PBOC kept lending rates unchanged for the 13th month. Safe-haven gold climbed toward $4,200/oz while regional currencies faced pressure against the firm US dollar.