Global markets wobble as AI optimism meets renewed Iran conflict concerns

Thursday saw divergent trends across global stock markets, with technology-focused equities in Japan rallying while major European benchmarks retreated. One outlet 225 surged on solid chip demand and gains for AI-linked companies like Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron and SoftBank Group Corp. In contrast, France's CAC 40, Germany's DAX and Britain's FTSE 100 each dropped close to two percent. U.S. market futures indicated a slight dip for the Dow and a near-flat stance for the S&P 500.

Oil prices rose roughly two percent amid ongoing uncertainty about the resumption of crude flows from the Iran war. The Japanese yen slipped modestly against the dollar, and the euro edged lower. Iranian officials said they had received a U.S. response to Tehran's latest peace proposal, though details were not disclosed.