17.04.202602:21:10UTC+00Asian Stocks Fall on Profit-Taking

Asian equity markets fell on Friday as investors locked in profits after a strong rally fueled by optimism over a possible resolution to the US-Iran conflict. US President Donald Trump voiced confidence that the confrontation with Iran would soon come to an end, stating that Tehran had agreed to conditions including abandoning its nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, a development viewed as potentially facilitating further US-Iran negotiations. Equities in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and China all declined, though regional benchmarks remain on course for weekly gains despite the latest pullback.