Global crude oil prices continued to soften on Monday following 'positive' peace talks between Iran and the US.
Oil prices fell on Monday on optimism over US-Iran peace talks, with mediators flagging a "roadmap" to a final agreement, while most equities rose thanks to another healthy start for tech firms.
After a meeting planned for Friday was cancelled owing to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the negotiations finally got underway on Sunday in Switzerland with teams led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Traders remain in buoyant mood after news that the two foes had ended their conflict, which had sent energy costs soaring and stoked inflation, sending shivers through the global economy.
There were initial jitters following reports that Iran had called off the talks over US President Donald Trump's threat to carry out more strikes if Hezbollah kept attacking Israel, but mediators Pakistan and Qatar said the talks took place in "a positive and constructive atmosphere".
