Trump says N Korea’s Kim has responded to his request for a conversation - Al Jazeera

“Former President Donald Trump announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un has replied to his overture for a direct conversation, signaling a possible thaw in a relationship that has been largely hostile since 2017. The response, if genuine, could open a diplomatic backchannel that bypasses traditional U.S. State Department channels, potentially reshaping negotiations over sanctions, nuclear policy, and regional security. For U.S. investors and consumers, any de‑escalation may reduce geopolitical risk premiums on Asian markets, lower defense‑related stock volatility, and influence energy prices tied to regional stability. Expert Analysis: While Trump’s personal outreach could create a short‑term market rally by easing tension, policymakers will scrutinize the credibility of Kim’s reply and its impact on existing sanctions regimes. A sustained diplomatic opening could spur a reallocation of capital toward Asian equities and reduce defense spending pressure, but the lack of formal U.S. involvement introduces uncertainty that may keep volatility elevated in the near term.”