U.S. equity market resilience to be tested
U.S. equities began the week with a continuation of the relentless semiconductor led rally that propelled all the major averages into new highs until a dramatic mid-week sector rotation occurred.
Non-farm payrolls report is the week’s marquee event
U.S. equities extended their rally for a ninth consecutive week, with the S&P 500 climbing as easing oil prices, resilient earnings, and AI-linked momentum overcame inflation concerns. Alongside the S&P, the Nasdaq-100, Nasdaq Composite, and DJIA all closed at record highs on Friday, with only the Russell 2000 pulling back a touch from Thursday’s record close.
Earnings momentum to macroeconomic validation
After dipping early in the week, pressured by rising yields and the imminent possibility of renewed military conflict with Iran, US equity indices reversed course by midweek and ended up either just beneath (S&P 500), at (Nasdaq 100), or above all time highs (DJIA.) Nvidia, the bluest of the blue-chip chipmakers, announced earnings and revenues that once again beat street estimates, yet the stock and broader market barely responded.
New Fed Chair Challenges
Major US equity indices pushed to fresh highs early in the week, as AI and semiconductor strength helped support the S&P500 and Nasdaq, before rising yields and renewed inflation concerns pressured growth stocks
into the close. Market leadership remained narrow and tech-driven, with investors continuing to reward AI- related earnings momentum, though high-multiple equities remain sensitive to any backup to rates.
Powell’s last dance
U.S. equity indexes extended their April rally, rising modestly last week as the S&P500 and Nasdaq reached fresh record highs, led by Big Tech after stellar earnings boosted share prices. Ten of eleven S&P500 sectors finished higher on the week – materials were the sole loser.
Mag 7 and FOMC showdown
The chief macro event risk at the moment relates to the Fed—the impact of this week’s meeting will likely come more from the statement and press conference than the rate decision itself. Will policymakers emphasize sticky inflation, oil-driven price risk, still-resilient growth, or any opening for future rate cuts?
April brings no showers
U.S. equity indices rallied sharply for a third straight week as Middle East tensions rapidly deescalated. Iran’s statement that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial shipping during
the ceasefire window throttled risk on across all asset classes on Friday. Oil prices fell over $10 per barrel on Friday alone, helping to ease inflation fears across the globe.
Deal or no deal – Iran’s ‘Ultimatum’
U.S. equity indices sold off sharply at week’s end amid little tangible progress toward ending the war in Iran. The Nasdaq Composite index lost more than 3% while the S&P500 slid 2%. The Russell 2000 fared better, rising marginally.
Oil still in the driver’s seat
U.S. equity indices sold off sharply at week’s end amid little tangible progress toward ending the war in Iran. The Nasdaq Composite index lost more than 3% while the S&P500 slid 2%. The Russell 2000 fared better, rising marginally.
Further rate cuts on hold
U.S. equity indices fell for a fourth straight week as the Iran war continued to roil energy markets and further clouded the outlook for inflation and interest rates. The spread between Brent crude—
the global benchmark—and U.S.-based West Texas Intermediate crude widened to the largest gap in 11 years as the risk of Brent supply disruptions increased while releases from U.S. strategic reserves kept domestic prices relatively in check.
