US Market Open: NQ benefiting from SPCX introduction; crude choppy over mixed reporting regarding Doha talks

Over the weekend, the US CENTCOM announced that it conducted strikes against multiple Iranian targets after Iran hit a Panama-flagged tanker. In response, Iran struck US military bases in Gulf nations.Thereafter, the US and Iran agreed to halt strikes and to resume meetings this week. The talks are reportedly to be held on Tuesday, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the recent escalation. Crude futures off best levels, Brent +1.3%.South Korea announced a new USD 880bln AI and chip spending package, which includes huge investment from the likes of Samsung Electronics (005930 KS) and SK Hynix (000660 KS).US equity futures gain, with the NQ being supported by the South Korean chip investment and the introduction of SPCX into the index. DXY softer; G10s broadly firmer with outperformance in the Kiwi.Fixed income benchmarks choppy but ultimately slightly softer, with Gilts in focus as MP Burnham prepares a speech.Looking ahead, highlights include US Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index, Speakers including ECB's Lagarde & UK MP Burnham. Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk