Oil prices managed to retain their gains as optimism regarding a deal in the Strait of Hormuz dissipated, sparking renewed fears of inflation. Treasury yields increased, and the yen weakened, undoing some of its recent recovery. Asian stocks and futures suffered slight declines, while Australian bonds dropped before an impending policy decision.

Brent crude added 0.9 per cent to US$84.32 a barrel as shipping through the vital waterway remained at a trickle, while US crude rose 0.7 per cent to US$78.74 a barrel.

Asian share markets followed Wall Street higher after a soft US jobs report. Oil prices increased slightly due to stalled Gulf peace talks and shipping lane concerns. Investors…