S&P 500, Global Equities Gain as Trump Eases War Tensions

Global equity markets staged a strong recovery as investor sentiment improved following a decision by Donald Trump to postpone planned military action against Iran.

At the New York open on March 23, 2026, the S&P 500 futures rose by more than 1.5 per cent, signalling renewed investor confidence after days of heightened geopolitical tension.

The rebound extended across global markets. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 4 per cent, while Australia’s ASX 200 climbed by about 3 per cent.

European markets also recovered, with London’s FTSE 100 reversing earlier losses of nearly 1 per cent to trade over 1.7 per cent higher.

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The improved sentiment followed Trump’s announcement that the United States would delay military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements.

“I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes for five days, subject to ongoing meetings and discussions,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The move came after an earlier ultimatum issued to Tehran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The strategic waterway accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

While the U.S. framed the delay as part of diplomatic efforts, Iran maintained that no direct negotiations had taken place, suggesting the decision was aimed at easing pressure on global energy markets.

Market reactions were immediate. S&P 500 futures on the London trading session jumped more than 2 per cent, rising from 6,400 to above 6,600 points.

In commodities, gold prices rebounded slightly after a sharp decline, while Brent crude stabilised at around $97 per barrel, down from a recent high of $112. However, Nigeria’s equities market moved in the opposite direction, with the All-Share Index declining by 1.07 per cent.

The recent volatility follows a surge in oil prices earlier in March, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, including U.S. military operations targeting Iranian infrastructure. Crude prices, which started the year near $60 per barrel, have since climbed significantly, impacting global energy costs and market stability.