![\"Asian](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130483971,imgsize-777520,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/untitled-design-68.jpg\" "\\"<p>File")
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Asian markets showed a mixed and cautious trend on Friday, with investors remaining on edge as uncertainty around the Iran conflict and stalled US-Iran talks continued to cloud sentiment.MSCI\u2019s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged up 0.3% and was on track for a modest weekly gain of 0.8%.Japan\u2019s Nikkei 225 rose 0.45%, while markets in South Korea, China and Hong Kong declined, reflecting uneven investor confidence.<\/p>\n The mixed performance highlights the fragile mood in global markets, where optimism over a ceasefire has been repeatedly offset by fears of renewed escalation.\u201cA ceasefire is a funny term to use in conjunction with a blockade and rolling tensions and animosities,\u201d Vishnu Varathan of Mizuho said, as quoted by Reuters.Tensions remained elevated after Iran showcased its control over the Strait of Hormuz by releasing footage of commandos boarding a cargo vessel, while US President Donald Trump warned of aggressive naval action against Iranian threats in the region.<\/p>\n Oil prices resumed their climb, adding to market anxiety. Brent crude rose over 1% to $106.21 per barrel, while US crude gained 1% to $96.77, as per Reuters.Analysts cautioned that volatility may persist. \u201cIt\u2019s not going to be a linear de-escalation\u2026 I don\u2019t think anybody in the market truly believes that this will be over in a week or two,\u201d Varathan said.<\/p>\n Currency markets remained relatively stable, though the US dollar held firm on safe-haven demand. The Japanese yen hovered near the key 160-per-dollar level, raising expectations of possible intervention by authorities.Japan\u2019s finance minister Satsuki Katayama warned of \u201cdecisive action,\u201d while analysts flagged low liquidity during the upcoming Golden Week holidays as a potential trigger for sharp moves, reported Reuters.Investors are also eyeing policy decisions from major central banks, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England, for signals on how rising energy prices could impact inflation and growth.With geopolitical risks persisting and oil prices climbing, markets are likely to remain volatile in the near term.<\/div>\nCeasefire uncertainty keeps markets volatile<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Oil rises again, adding pressure<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Currency focus shifts to yen, central banks<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n