Global stocks surged and oil prices dropped after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the Middle East conflict could end within weeks.
Wall Street’s major indices climbed, with European markets posting strong gains. Asian markets also rose sharply, led by Seoul and Tokyo.
Trump claimed Iran may seek a ceasefire, a claim Tehran rejected. The White House announced he would speak to the nation on the issue.
Market analysts noted that while the ceasefire talk sparked optimism, lingering uncertainties-especially around oil supply and regional stability-keep investor caution.
Oil benchmarks fell, but prices remain elevated compared to pre-war levels. Traders are skeptical of Trump's assertions and wary of continued conflict risks.
In corporate news, Chinese AI firm Zhipu saw its stock jump over 32% after reporting nearly tripled cloud revenue.
Currency traders watched monitors at Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.