"Asia-Pacific Markets Surge on Ukraine-Russia Talks, US Inflation Ignored"

Asia-Pacific markets rose on Thursday, driven by optimism over potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. The region's equities gained momentum after US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held phone calls, raising hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Investors also shrugged off the hotter-than-expected US consumer inflation data, which strengthened the case for a rate hike by the Federal Reserve. The US dollar index (DXY) slipped slightly, while the Japanese yen (JPY) appreciated against the greenback.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.6% as of 1:30 PM in Tokyo, with the Nikkei 225 (NKY:IND) and the Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) both advancing. The Hang Seng Index (HSI) in Hong Kong and the S&P BSE Sensex (SENSEX) in India also gained ground.

In currency markets, the Australian dollar (AUD:USD) and the New Zealand dollar (NZD:USD) strengthened against the US dollar, while the Chinese yuan (USD:CNY) held steady. The Indian rupee (USD:INR) and the South Korean won (USD:KRW) appreciated against the greenback.

Meanwhile, investors remained cautious about the potential impact of US President Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods. The US Trade Representative's office has announced a list of $200 billion worth of Chinese imports that could be subject to a 10% tariff, which has raised concerns about the potential impact on global trade.

The US-China trade dispute has been a major source of uncertainty for markets in the Asia-Pacific region, and investors are closely watching developments in the negotiations between the two countries. Any signs of progress in the talks could boost sentiment and support further gains in regional equities.

However, the lingering fears over US tariffs on Chinese goods continue to weigh on investor confidence. The potential impact of the tariffs on global supply chains and economic growth has been a major concern for investors, and any escalation in the trade dispute could have significant implications for the region's economies.

In conclusion, Asia-Pacific markets rose on Thursday on hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict and as investors shrugged off hotter-than-expected US