Asian Markets Rise as Trump Signals End to Iran Strikes

Asian stock markets traded mostly higher on Thursday, with the Nikkei 225, S&P/ASX 200, and South Korea's Kospi all advancing. The rally was supported by strong performance in financial sectors and AI-related technology stocks, following a positive trend on Wall Street. In the United States, Dell Technologies shares surged 15.8% after the company reported strong quarterly profits, contributing to gains across the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq.

Oil prices edged lower on Thursday, retreating from a sharp spike triggered earlier in the week by a second round of U.S. attacks against Iran. Donald Trump helped stabilize the market by stating that he does not expect the bombing campaign to last "much longer," easing investor fears of a prolonged conflict.

Other market indicators showed the Japanese yen strengthening against the U.S. dollar. Investors are now awaiting the release of the U.S. August employment report on Friday. Additionally, Purchasing Managers Index surveys indicated expansion in the services sectors of Japan and Australia.