[Analysis: Asian Stock Markets Expected to Rise, Market Focuses on US-Iran Talks Progress] Reported by Jinse Finance, on March 26, following gains in the US stock and bond markets, Asian stock markets are expected to edge higher on Thursday as traders assess the feasibility of a US-Iran ceasefire negotiation. Futures for Japanese and Australian stock indices rose, while Hong Kong stock index futures slightly declined. US stock index futures remained mostly flat after the S&P 500 rose for the second time this week, gaining 0.5% on Wednesday. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 climbed 0.7%. The index of US-listed Chinese companies increased by 1.9%.