Markets Mixed as Iran-Oman Shipping Accord, Big Buybacks and Earnings Drive Market Moves

Global markets showed mixed momentum as corporate buybacks, insurer results and regional political developments influenced investor sentiment.

Iran said it has reached an agreement with Oman on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing a flashpoint that has periodically roiled energy and shipping markets. The deal could reduce near-term geopolitical risk in a chokepoint that accounts for a significant share of seaborne oil transit.

In Europe, Commerzbank unveiled a EUR 1.2 billion share buyback as it positions itself ahead of potential talks with UniCredit, a move investors interpreted as a vote of confidence in the bank’s capital strength and M&A leverage. Deutsche Telekom issued a brighter outlook and expanded its buyback program, supporting its shares, while Siemens slipped despite lifting its earnings-per-share forecast — a sign that investors were looking for more aggressive guidance or capital returns.

Reinsurance heavyweight Swiss Re reported profits above expectations, citing cost-cutting measures that boosted the bottom line. Zurich Insurance also posted stronger-than-expected earnings, helped in part by sustained demand for datacenter coverage, underscoring the resilience of specialty commercial lines.

Corporate headlines elsewhere included Airbnb and Warner Bros., both among the companies reporting results today, adding to a busy earnings calendar that investors are parsing for forward guidance.

In Mexico, the central bank, Banxico, is widely expected to hold interest rates as policymakers balance persistent inflation risks with concerns about growth.

Equity markets were mixed: European stocks rose 0.6% while major Asian bourses diverged — mainland China and Japan each slipped about 1.5% as investors contended with slowing growth worries and domestic factors, while Hong Kong shares climbed roughly 1.3%. U.S. futures pointed to a flat open. Oil markets held steady, with Brent crude trading around USD 79 a barrel.

Taken together, the patchwork of corporate moves, insurer resilience and geopolitical developments produced a cautious tone as investors weighed earnings-season headlines against macro and regional risk factors.