Chinese assets, sharp rise

On March 10 local time, the three major U.S. stock indices closed mixed. The U.S. tech sector performed steadily, with most of the Big Seven tech giants rising; Chinese concept stocks generally strengthened, with the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index and the leading Chinese tech stocks index both surging significantly, NIO soared over 15%.

On March 10, international crude oil futures prices plummeted sharply. As of 7:14 on March 11, NYMEX WTI crude oil futures main contract rose 5.84%.

U.S. stock three major indices fluctuate

On March 10 local time, data showed that by the close, the Dow fell 0.07%, the Nasdaq rose 0.01%, and the S&P 500 declined 0.21%.

The Big Seven U.S. tech giants index increased by 0.36%. Nvidia and META both rose over 1%.

Chinese concept stocks performed strongly overall, with the Nasdaq China Golden Dragon Index up 1.96%, and the Chinese tech leading index up 5.12%. Among them, NIO surged over 15%, and China Internet Plus surged more than 14%.

In news, NIO released its Q4 and full-year 2025 financial reports, showing that in 2025, the company’s total revenue, delivery volume, and gross profit all hit record highs, and it achieved its first quarterly profit since establishment in Q4, with an operating profit of 1.25 billion yuan.

Regarding Iran, according to Xinhua News Agency, on March 10 Washington time, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. military would launch the “highest intensity” strike against Iran today.

At a press conference, Austin said, “Today will again be the day of the highest strike intensity against Iran,” and the U.S. military will deploy the largest number of fighter jets and bombers in this operation, using intelligence that is “more precise and higher quality than ever before” to target Iranian sites.

Iran responded quickly. According to Xinhua, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said on the 10th that the Iranian people are not afraid of threats. The Strait of Hormuz could become a strait of coexistence or a strait of failure for warmongers.

Larijani responded on social media to U.S. President Trump’s statement that “more severe strikes will be carried out against Iran,” saying, “The Iranian people are not afraid of your (U.S. and Israel) hollow threats. Even more powerful forces than you have failed to destroy the Iranian nation.”

Crude oil prices plummet

According to Xinhua, international oil prices fell sharply on the 10th. By the close, April delivery light crude futures on NYMEX dropped $11.32 to $83.45 per barrel, down 11.94%; May delivery Brent crude futures on London ICE fell $11.16 to $87.80 per barrel, down 11.28%.

In precious metals, gold and silver prices rose. Data shows that as of 5:40 a.m. Beijing time on March 11, London gold rose 1.09%, COMEX gold futures increased 1.86%. London silver rose 1.57%, COMEX silver futures surged 4.79%.

Xinhua reports that analysts point out that Trump’s recent series of inconsistent and even contradictory statements are driven by multiple considerations.

The ongoing conflict has increasingly impacted the global energy market, with international oil prices soaring close to $120. To ease market turmoil, Trump has had to send signals of de-escalation.

On March 9, in an interview with CBS, Trump said that the U.S. and Israel have conducted a “very thorough” campaign against Iran, implying that the conflict might end soon. Later, at a press conference, Trump said that due to the market turbulence caused by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, he would lift some oil-related sanctions to stabilize oil prices. Although details were not provided, the intent was clearly to stabilize the global energy market.

Putin and Iranian President hold another call

According to Xinhua, on March 10 Moscow time, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, exchanging views on the tense Middle East situation caused by Israeli and U.S. aggression against Iran.

Kremlin’s website states that Putin reaffirmed his support for quickly de-escalating the situation through political means. Raisi expressed gratitude for Russia’s support, especially humanitarian aid to Iran.

After the U.S. and Israel launched large-scale military strikes against Iran on February 28, Iran retaliated against targets including Israeli and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Putin and Raisi had a phone call on March 6, agreeing to maintain contact through various channels.

Iranian Vice President states will continue defending homeland

Not abandoning negotiations to resolve issues

According to Xinhua, Iran’s Vice President Houssein Zadeh Kermani said in an interview with Qatar’s Al Jazeera on the 10th that Iran will continue to defend its territory as a “legal right and obligation.” He also emphasized that Iran seeks to resolve crises through dialogue and has not targeted neighboring countries with attacks.

Kermani mentioned that President Raisi has repeatedly stressed the importance of resolving issues through negotiations, and Iran’s foreign ministry has developed multiple response plans. He stated that Iran has never invaded any country and always seeks peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Kermani also said that Iran’s actions in the Gulf are legitimate self-defense, and Iran has engaged in multiple rounds of contact with neighboring and other countries. He reiterated the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations and developing bilateral ties.

On the same day, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran “will never seek a ceasefire” and must firmly retaliate against “aggressors.” According to Iranian media, on the same day, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharib Abadi stated that Iran’s current priority is “decisive defense,” and “the end of the war is in Iran’s hands.”