Asian and Nigerian Stock Markets Rebound as Middle East Tensions Ease

Asian equities showed modest gains on Monday as a lull in Gulf fighting pushed Brent crude down 5.2% to $91.73 a barrel, easing inflation concerns. Japan's Nikkei inched up 0.1% and South Korea's chip‑heavy index slipped 1.1%, while broader Asia‑Pacific indices held steady. The price drop came after Iran said it would halt attacks if the United States did the same, and the Saudi‑linked Houthi group reduced activity against oil installations.

In West Africa, Nigeria's All‑Share Index rose 0.3% to close at 247,984.55 points, adding roughly N482 billion to market capitalisation. Gains were led by large‑ and medium‑cap stocks such as HBM Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria and Dangote Sugar Refinery. The rally followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he was withdrawing threats of further strikes against Iran and anticipated a deal to end the war.

Both regions saw investor sentiment improve as the risk of renewed Middle‑East conflict receded, boosting bonds and equities while lowering expectations of near‑term central‑bank rate hikes.