Oil prices eased from Thursday's close while remaining elevated as markets weighed possible US-Iran ceasefire discussions against Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz. Brent was recently reported at $105.65 a barrel and WTI at $93.11, while an earlier update put them at $105.85 and $93.80, respectively. The Nikkei 225 rose 1.3% to close at 66,364, extending its winning streak to five sessions as retreating oil prices and stabilizing global bond yields supported equities. UK 10-year gilt yields eased to 5.35% but remained near multi-year highs as the conflict and elevated energy prices sustained inflation concerns. Markets continued to price a solid probability of a 25-basis-point Bank of England rate increase in November, while US investors increased bets on further Federal Reserve hikes after hawkish policymaker comments. Reports said US and Iranian negotiators were exploring a phased agreement under which Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Washington would lift its naval or economic blockade of Iran, including a reported blockade on Iranian ports. Analysts said oil could remain above $100 without clearer evidence of durable de-escalation. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six ballistic missiles, while Houthi attacks targeted Saudi oil-related facilities, the capital and Yanbu port. Saudi crude pumping through the East-West Pipeline toward Yanbu was increasing, but tanker loadings had not resumed. The conflict, which began at the end of February, has curtailed about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments and pushed oil prices about 50% higher in March alone. Technology stocks led the Nikkei's advance, while financial shares also outperformed. Japan's 10-year government bond yield eased from its highest level since 1996. Bank of England Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden said it could become "increasingly appropriate" to raise rates in response to rising inflation risks; Deputy Governor Clare Lombardelli said rates may also need to rise if energy prices stay elevated, while Monetary Policy Committee member Swati Dhingra said inflation expectations were not yet a concern. Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping concluded talks in Washington, with Trump describing the meeting as "great."