ASX Jumps 1.5pc as Trump Hints at New Peace Deal
@TigerNews_AU:
Australian shares surged on Friday after US President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran could be signed as soon as the weekend, raising hopes for an end to the conflict that has roiled markets. The S&P/ASX 200 Index advanced 128.90 points, or by 1.5 per cent, to 8762.10 by 10.10am AEST, with nine of the 11 sectors stronger. The benchmark is on track to rise to 1.6 per cent for the week. West Texas Intermediate fell almost 3 per cent at the open to $US85.13 a barrel, its lowest level since April 17, before trimming losses later in the session. Trump vowed to hit Iran again and threatened to seize its oil infrastructure, before announcing attacks were off and a deal was close, without confirmation from Tehran. Trump has repeatedly said a deal with Iran was imminent on numerous occ