Finance
Morning Bid: Fingers Crossed for a Resolution
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 14, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 14, 2026
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Markets rallied on hopes of a U.S.–Iran resolution even as the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports threatens global oil supply; China’s export growth slowed in March amid these risks, while Singapore preemptively tightened policy amid inflation concerns.
Markets Ride Hopes of US-Iran Resolution as Oil, Earnings, and Inflation Weigh
Global Market Overview and Key Economic Factors
A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Rae Wee
US-Iran Tensions and Oil Supply Concerns
The U.S. military's blockade nL6N40V09S of Iran's ports has begun, creating more bad news nL4N40W08K for global oil supply, but never mind that because markets on Tuesday were riding on hopes of a resolution between Washington and Tehran.
Despite the collapse of peace talks between Iranian and U.S. officials over the weekend, sources nL4N40W0L7 told Reuters that dialogue was still alive and a U.S. official said there was forward motion on trying to get to an agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump also said nL6N40W11B on Monday that Iran wanted to make a deal, though he would not come to any agreement that allowed Tehran to have a nuclear weapon.
Market Reactions to Geopolitical Developments
That was enough to spark a rebound in global stocks, with shares nL1N40X00X in Asia rising alongside U.S. and European futures, while oil prices nL1N40W14D slipped back below $100 a barrel.
Inflation and Economic Pressures
But the global economy is hardly out of the woods. The inflationary pulse from higher-for-longer energy prices will remain nL1N40W10F as long as the Strait of Hormuz nL1N40W0DH stays shut, keeping pressure on businesses and everyday consumers.
Central Bank Actions
In Singapore, the central bank on Tuesday tightened nL1N40X007 its monetary policy settings, flagging inflation risks from the Middle East war.
China's Export Slowdown
Meanwhile, China's export engine slowed nL1N40X02K in March, sharply undershooting forecasts, as buyers chasing an AI-fuelled future ran into the hard reality of the war.
Corporate Earnings and Market Sentiment
The U.S. earnings nL1N40W0GQ season is also underway and will serve as a litmus test of how well, or poorly, companies are dealing with the fallout of the war.
Major Bank Results
Results from JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup are due later in the day, after Goldman Sachs nL4N40W0SE on Monday reported quarterly profit that beat expectations, driven by strength in dealmaking and equities trading.
Key Developments to Watch
Key developments that could influence markets on Tuesday:
- JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Johnson & Johnson earnings
- U.S. March PPI
- Fed's Barr, Collins, Barkin, Paulson, Goolsbee speak
(Editing by Kate Mayberry)
Key Takeaways
- •U.S. military has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports as of April 13, raising oil price pressures and global supply risks
- •China’s March export growth plunged to 2.5% year‑on‑year—well below forecasts—as energy‑price shocks from the Iran conflict dampen demand
- •Singapore’s central bank tightened monetary policy on April 14, raising inflation forecasts in response to higher imported energy costs
Frequently Asked Questions about Morning Bid: Fingers crossed for a resolution
1What impact does the US blockade of Iran's ports have on global oil supply?
The US military blockade of Iran's ports is worsening global oil supply concerns, adding pressure on energy prices and inflation.
2Are peace talks between the US and Iran ongoing?
Despite the recent collapse of official peace talks, sources report that dialogue between the US and Iran is still alive and progressing.
3How are markets responding to the US-Iran situation?
Global stocks are rebounding on hopes of a resolution between Washington and Tehran, with Asian, US, and European futures rising.
4Why did Singapore tighten its monetary policy?
Singapore's central bank tightened monetary policy to address inflation risks stemming from higher energy prices due to Middle East tensions.
5Which major banks are reporting earnings this week?
JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and Johnson & Johnson are reporting earnings, following stronger-than-expected results from Goldman Sachs.