Company Interview / the open: ASX to start positively 📈 Trump renews Iran threats

Global equity markets have begun the week modestly higher, while oil prices have risen as the US and Iran exchanged verbal attacks while US President Trump reiterated threats to strike Iran unless it makes a deal by Wednesday morning. The local market is set to begin the shortened trading week positively with ASX futures up 0.06%.

US stocks advanced as investors looked for signs of progress toward the US-Iran ceasefire deal with all three major indices advancing. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq notched up the fourth consecutive session of gains. Travel and leisure stocks were the outperformers along with aerospace & defence. 

Iran has said it wants a lasting end to the war with the US and Israel, and has pushed back against pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US President Trump has warned that Iran could be "taken out" if it did not meet his Tuesday night deadline to reach a deal. He's threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges, dismissing concerns that such actions would be a war crime. 

Oil prices climbed in choppy trade overnight as the US and Iran engage in indirect talks that could lead to the de-escalation of hostilities. Gold edged lower as investors await further signals on the Middle East war. 

The US dollar index is down 0.1% on the day, whilst the Australian dollar is at 69.2.