Asia Markets Likely to Decline as Iran Rejects Direct US Talks

Asia-Pacific markets are expected to mostly decline following Iran's announcement of no intention to engage in direct talks with the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that messaging does not signify negotiations. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures stand at 53,520, down from the previous close of 53,749.62. Similarly, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures are at 25,268, compared to the last close of 25,335.95. In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 305.43 points or 0.66%, closing at 46,429.49.