The Business Times Podcasts S2E483: Iran de-escalation hopes lift Asian stocks, Korean exports smash forecasts
Apr 1, 2026
Asian stocks rallied on hopes of de-escalation in Iran, snapping a four-day slide. South Korea's exports soared, driven by big gains at chipmakers. Factory activity showed its strongest expansion in years thanks to semiconductor demand. Currency moves included a steady dollar and a firmer euro as investors stayed cautiously optimistic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Iran De escalation Boosted Asian Markets
- Asian stocks rallied on hopes of Iran de-escalation after President Donald Trump said U.S. attacks on Iran could end in two to three weeks.
- South Korea's Kospi surged with Samsung up 8% and exports jumping 48.3% year-on-year in March, highlighting semiconductor-led strength.
Commodities And Dollar Reflect Cautious Optimism
- Commodities and currencies showed cautious moves: Brent crude retraced earlier losses and gold held after a two-week high while the dollar steadied.
- Markets priced tentative optimism pending clearer developments on Middle East de-escalation reports.
Korean Exports Smash Forecasts
- South Korea's exports surged 48.3% year-on-year in March, far exceeding expectations and lifting tech and chip stocks.
- A PMI showed factory activity expanded at the strongest pace in over four years, driven by semiconductor demand and new product launches.