On Monday, the S&P500 climbed 1.5%, leaving it just shy of its closing record of 7,620.90. The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.1%. Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, fell about 5% on Monday, before climbing 0.9% to about $84.50 per barrel as markets opened in Asia on Tuesday. These market movements occurred amid conflicting accounts regarding the status of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that talks with Iran were in progress, while Iran's foreign ministry spokesman denied any engagement in talks with Washington.