F. Yap Securities / 2TradeAsia

The highlight is on the current impasse in peace negotiations between US-Iran, with an extended timeline seen to impact global economies.

Mixed session is seen, as market participants balance 1Q headlines versus the wider geopolitical backdrop.

Equities investors are likely to assess prevalence of supply pressure, especially on intra-day rises, as several check on 1Q earnings data from select large-caps.

Another lackluster session is seen, as market investors assess BSP’s priority to control inflation through hints of tightened policy, versus higher business costs in the wake of the Middle East conflict.

Follow-through reaction to BSP’s 25bps-rate hike plus continued high oil prices would likely be the main theme Friday.

Participants’ attention is on BSP’s scheduled monetary policy meeting, with consensus set for a status quo on interest rates.

Market participants will sift through headlines on Trump’s indefinite extension of ceasefire with Iran, versus continued US Navy blockage of Iranian ports.

Participants might go on wait-and-see mode, pending progress on the deadline of ceasefire between US-Iran.

Expect range-bound movements for now, as sentiment remains anchored on political narratives from US-Iran’s new negotiation round, including conditions tied to the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Participants might weigh feelers on Zaldy Co’s detention in Prague, IsraelLebanon’s 10-day ceasefire, as well as reports for weekend resumption of talks between USIran.

Local equities may continue to advance, as investors position for trading windows in select shares ripe for buying.

Participants might check on feelers whether the Philippine market would follow other Asian peers’ optimistic trail since yesterday, on resumption of talks as sequel to the USIran rift.

The market might take its cue from US equities’ overnight ascent, on hopes for resolution to the Middle East conflict.

Sunday’s deadlock between US-Iran might prompt investors to remain at bay, pending advisories how sequel events would proceed.

Participants may take their cue from Wall Street’s overnight strength, on latest consideration from the US to end the rift in Iran.