Iran & MSCI

Iran: Iran exchanged fire with the United States in the Middle East, impacting oil prices and market sentiment. Iran downplayed the situation, hoping for a resolution.

MSCI: MSCI's broadest index of Asian shares outside Japan fell slightly from record highs, despite overall strong weekly gains in the region.

Iran: Geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, are being digested by markets, creating mixed signals.

MSCI: MSCI's Asian equities gauge neared an all-time high, contributing to the overall positive market sentiment that also benefited Bitcoin.

Iran: Iran is a central party in the peace talks, seeking an end to sanctions, recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. Its nuclear program is a key sticking point.

MSCI: Global equities, including those tracked by MSCI, have rallied on expectations of a swift resolution to the fighting.