Asia Markets Open Higher; China Exports Grow 2.5% in March

Asia-Pacific markets opened mostly higher with South Korea's Kospi rising 3.41%. This increase occurred amid hopes of a potential U.S.-Iran deal despite the U.S. blockade of Iranian shipments in the Strait of Hormuz. China's export growth was reported at 2.5% in March, falling short of the 8.6% forecast, and marking the slowest pace in six months. Meanwhile, the West Texas Intermediate declined 2.02% to $97.08 per barrel. The market's mixed signals could indicate volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions around oil supply.