April 24, 2026

• Posted By: Editorial team

Weekly Market Snapshot

Global financial markets were mixed over the week as strong corporate earnings offset rising inflationary pressures driven by higher energy prices. Global equities were weighed down by elevated crude prices and a weaker global growth outlook, particularly in Europe, where Germany lowered its medium‑term growth projections and U.K. inflation remained elevated. In contrast, U.S. equities outperformed for a third consecutive week, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching record highs, supported by robust earnings momentum and improved investor sentiment. Stock‑specific gains followed earnings beats from companies including Boeing, GE Vernova, UnitedHealth Group, Philip Morris International, and AT&T, while select technology shares underperformed amid company‑specific developments. Overall, markets reflected a balance between earnings‑driven equity strength—led by the U.S.—and ongoing macroeconomic headwinds from persistent inflation and rising energy costs.

In global geopolitics, President Trump announced an open‑ended extension of the ceasefire with Iran, expressing optimism for a swift conclusion to the U.S.–Iran conflict. He also suggested fissures in the government of Iran. However, the deadlock between the two countries over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persisted following the breakdown of negotiations between U.S. and Iranian representatives. Tensions escalated further as both sides engaged in reciprocal maritime seizures and declined to participate in the previously planned negotiations in Pakistan. Ukraine reached out to Turkey to facilitate a meeting between President Zelenskyy and President Putin.

Weekly Market Movers — Key Highlights

• Nearly 80% of S&P 500 companies beat earnings expectations.
• Oil above $105/barrel-Energy prices reignite global inflation concerns.
• Germany cuts growth forecasts as inflation bites.
• JP Morgan projected recovery in the China property sector.

Global Updates

• The MSCI All Country World Index dipped slightly over the week, due to inflationary pressures from rising energy prices and decline in global economic outlooks. Germany lowered its projected growth to 0.5% for 2026 and 0.9% for 2027, citing the impact of inflationary forces on households and business.
• U.K.‘s inflation rate rose to 3.3% in March, due to higher energy and fuel costs.
• U.K. Manufacturing PMI surged to 53.6 in April 2026 and the Composite PMI to 52.0 in April, with manufacturers looking to get a headstart and avoid supply chain bottlenecks in the future.
• Japan’s core inflation rate rose to 1.8% in March, reflecting sustained underlying price pressures.
• Nokia reported an earnings beat with 54% higher quarterly profits of 281 million euros on net sales of 4.5 billion euros, driven by the AI demand for fibre optic cables.
• L’Oreal stock rallied after the company reported a 7.6% growth in its first-quarter sales of 12.2 billion euros.
• Defense company Saab reported a 32% higher operating profit of 1.92 billion kronor despite weaker than expected 23.6% higher sales of 19.1 billion kronor over the quarter. The company also reported order bookings of 18.2 billion Swedish kronor in the first-quarter.
• Taiwanese regulators are considering raising the investment cap for local active funds in TSMC to 25% of net asset value (NAV), a move that could increase domestic institutional exposure to the semiconductor bellwether.
• JP Morgan has suggested that China’s property sector is approaching an inflection point, where it will start outperforming other emerging markets.
• Regulators in China are preparing to tighten oversight of foreign investment in domestic technology and artificial intelligence companies, reinforcing restrictions on capital inflows from U.S.-based entities.
• Chinese AI startup DeepSeek unveiled a preview of its new V4 artificial intelligence model, signaling continued innovation within the domestic AI sector.
• International crude prices rose above the $105 per barrel mark over the week, fueling expectations of rising global inflation amid higher energy costs. This was driven by the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and escalatory vessel seizures by the U.S. and Iran.

U.S. Equity

• U.S. equity markets advanced for a third consecutive week, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching record highs amid strong corporate earnings and cautious optimism surrounding easing tensions in the Middle East. Markets were further supported by President Trump’s announcement extending the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, which added to investor confidence. Sentiment was also bolstered by robust earnings results, with approximately 80% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeding market expectations. Anticipation of potential global semiconductor shortages lifted chipmaker stocks such as AMD and Intel, contributing to a sharp rise in Nasdaq futures.
• The U.S. Flash S&P Global Composite PMI for April rose to 52 from 50.3 in March, indicating an expansion in U.S. manufacturing and services activity.
• U.S. initial jobless claims increased by 6,000 to 214,000 for the week ended April 18, 2026, indicating a modest softening in labor market conditions.
• Boeing stock price rose after the company reported a lower-than-expected $0.2 loss per share on a $22.22 billion revenue in the first quarter. The company narrowed its losses supported by 14% higher sales, including its 737 Max aircraft and its defense and services divisions.
• Power equipment manufacturer GE Vernova’s stock rallied after the company posted a higher than expected EPS of $17.44 on a 16% higher first quarter revenue to $9.34 billion, driven by the rising AI-driven energy demand. The company projected a higher full-year revenue in the $44.5 billion to $45.5 billion range.
• The Trump administration is reportedly considering a $500 million bailout package for low‑cost carrier Spirit Airlines, aimed at stabilizing the airline’s financial position.
• Microsoft stock declined after the company offered a voluntary buyout in a memo to its U.S. employees.
• Tesla reported a better-than-expected first-quarter EPS of $0.41 on a lower-than-expected but 16% higher revenue of $22.39 billion. Tesla also projected a capital expenditure in excess of $25 billion for the year.
• Bloomberg has reported that Meta Platforms plans to lay off 8,000 employees i.e 10% of its workforce, to improve efficiency.
• Philip Morris International reported a higher-than-expected EPS of $1.96 on a 9.1% higher first quarter revenue of $10.15 billion driven by a 12.4% growth in sales of its smoke-free products.
• AT&T reported an earnings beat of $0.57 in EPS on a 2.9% higher revenue of $31.5 billion.
• IBM stock dragged due to slowing growth despite reporting a higher than expected adjusted EPS of $1.91 on a 9% higher first quarter revenue of $15.92 billion.
• U.S. Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh, appeared in front of the Senate Banking Committee this week. Senator Thom Tillis continues to block Warsh’s confirmation until the investigation of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell is resolved.
• UnitedHealth Group stock rallied after the company reported better-than-expected adjusted EPS $7.23 per share on a revenue of $111.7 billion. UnitedHealth also raised its full-year revenue outlook.

Fixed Income

• The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index dipped over the week.
• The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.33% and the yield on the 2-year note rose to 3.84%.
• The U.S. Dollar Index fell slightly to 98.86 over the week.