Asian Markets Rise Amid U.S. Stock Gains and Middle East Developments

Asian markets experienced gains on Monday, following record highs in U.S. stocks driven by strong corporate earnings. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index rose 1.5% to 26,173.95. South Korea's Kospi surged 4.7% to 6,906.36, with Samsung Electronics' shares increasing by 4.8%. Taiwan's Taiex climbed 4.6%, bolstered by a 6.6% rise in TSMC shares. Australia's S&P/ASX 200, however, declined by 0.5% to 8,690.60. Markets in mainland China and Japan were closed for 'Golden Week' holidays.

In the U.S., the S&P 500 reached a new all-time high of 7,230.12, marking its fifth consecutive weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slightly decreased by 0.3% to 49,499.27, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.9% to close at a record 25,114.44. Apple led the S&P 500's rise with a 3.3% increase after reporting better-than-expected profits.

Oil prices saw a slight decline following President Donald Trump's announcement of 'Project Freedom,' an initiative to assist commercial ships in navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command stated that the operation would involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members. Iran rejected the plan, warning that U.S. actions could escalate tensions. The price of U.S. benchmark crude fell 77 cents to $101.17 per barrel, while Brent crude decreased by 67 cents to $107.50 per barrel.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted global oil and gas supplies, leading to increased prices worldwide. The U.S. has enforced a naval blockade of Iranian ports, aiming to pressure Tehran into negotiations. Iran has proposed a 14-point plan seeking an end to hostilities and the lifting of sanctions, excluding nuclear issues from the discussion.

In currency markets, the dollar rose to 156.79 Japanese yen from 156.80 yen, and the euro fell to $1.1732 from $1.1746.