Stocks continued to rally for the most part last week, fueled by cautious investor optimism that U.S. involvement in the Middle East may be nearing an end. In addition, cooler inflation data (see below) along with the start of what is hoped to be a resilient earnings season also contributed to the rally. A resurgence […]
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Stock Market Surge: S&P 500 Hits Record High
Stocks surged last week with the easing of geopolitical tensions that had weighed on equities for weeks. The S&P 500 crossed the 7,000 point barrier, while the NASDAQ achieved its longest winning streak (12 straight sessions) since 1992. Investor optimism was fueled by the ceasefire announced last week and the reopening of the Strait of […]
Read MoreStock Market Rally Continues as Oil Prices Fall
The U.S. stock market enjoyed a second straight rally last week as geopolitical tensions shifted, at least temporarily, from escalation to diplomacy. After a period of high volatility and risk aversion, investors were encouraged by the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed the […]
Read MoreMarket Rally 2026: Stocks Rise on Tech Surge
The U.S. stock market was closed last week on Good Friday. Wall Street enjoyed a tech-led rally despite the escalation of the conflict with Iran and a pivot in fiscal policy following President Trump’s request that Congress approve a $1.5 trillion total defense budget for 2026, funded, in part, by a 22.6% cut in domestic […]
Read MoreStock Market Trends: Stocks Fall as Oil Prices Rise
Wall Street saw stocks continue to trend lower last week, influenced by geopolitical tension, volatile energy markets, and shifting investor sentiment. The Dow, the S&P 500, and the NASDAQ each closed the week lower, while the small caps of the Russell 2000 and the Global Dow settled marginally higher. Investors reacted to developments surrounding the […]
Read MoreIran War and Economy: What It Means for Investors
The Iran war economy has become a growing concern as the conflict continues with no clear resolution in sight. While the human cost is significant, the war is also creating broader economic ripple effects that can impact markets, inflation, and investor sentiment. Oil as a global commodity The most immediate economic challenge is the closure […]
Read MoreStock Market Decline Continues Amid Inflation and Rate Concerns
Stocks fell sharply last week, with each of the benchmark indexes posting declines as rising energy prices, tensions in the Middle East, and renewed stagflation fears dampened risk sentiment. The S&P 500 fell to a four-month low, while underperforming tech stocks impacted the NASDAQ. A higher-than-expected Producer Price Index (see below) and hawkish comments from […]
Read MoreStrait of Hormuz Oil Trade by Country | Key Exporters & Importers
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy waterways, with approximately 25% of the global maritime oil trade flowing through the Strait. This infographic shows the top exporters and importers by country of crude oil and condensate (a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons related to the extraction of crude oil) flowing through […]
Read MoreWeekly Market Update: Oil Prices Shake Markets as Stocks Fall for Third Week
Wall Street saw a third straight week of losses as rising oil prices sparked inflation fears. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here declined as investors moved away from risk. Last week was marked by intensifying geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The week began on a high note, with markets pushing past early losses […]
Read MoreWeekly Market Update: Stocks Fall as Oil Prices Surge
Stocks ended last week sharply lower, impacted by renewed inflation and geopolitical events. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here ended the week lower, while crude oil prices surged to the highest levels since August 2022, as intensifying tensions in the Middle East disrupted global energy trade. Higher energy costs triggered a move from risk, […]
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