Extended Easter break closes many markets… Yet hopes rise as reports suggest a 45-day truce is being urgently pursued

Market Closures on Easter Monday

On Easter Monday, financial markets across most of Europe and several other regions—including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and the Netherlands—remain shut. With these widespread closures and minimal economic data releases, trading activity has been subdued.

Unlike these countries, the United States is open for business today. Meanwhile, speculation about progress in ceasefire negotiations involving Iran, the U.S., and neutral mediators such as Pakistan has brought a hint of optimism, easing the gloom that intensified last week following President Trump’s threats of military action.