Daily Briefing — April 23, 2026 | Asian Markets Hit Records Amid Ceasefire Optimism

In today's comprehensive business briefing, we analyze the significant market movements driven by the extended US-Iran ceasefire. Asian equity markets reached historic highs, with Japan's Nikkei 225 breaking through 60,000 for the first time and South Korea's Kospi achieving new records. However, oil prices continued their ascent for the fourth consecutive session, with Brent crude trading near $106 amid ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruptions. We examine the paradoxical ceasefire situation where diplomatic progress contrasts with continued military and economic pressure tactics. The briefing covers Federal Reserve policy considerations amid 3.26% inflation, ECB's cautious approach to upcoming rate decisions, and China's 5.0% first-quarter GDP growth showing resilience through domestic demand. Semiconductor giant SK Hynix reported record quarterly results with 400% profit growth, highlighting the ongoing AI boom's impact across technology sectors. The analysis includes currency market stability, European market performance, and broader implications for global supply chains, inflation pressures, and investment strategies in this complex geopolitical and economic environment.