Earnings and Hormuz Optimism Propel Wall Street indexes to New Record Highs

U.S. stock market indexes advanced amid conflicting reports that suggested that the U.S. and Iran are close to entering a temporary peace agreement. 

The U.S. president toned down his rhetoric toward Iran and its military and appeared to strike a tone that raised hopes for the resumption of trade through the Strait of Hormuz. 

About 20% of global crude oil shipments pass through the narrow passageway in the Middle East, and the crucial artery plays a significant role in delivering crude oil and LPG gas from the Gulf nations to India, China, Japan, and South Korea. 

Moreover, at least fifteen nations in Asia are dependent on Gulf nations for the supply of their energy products, impacting more than three-quarters of the world population. 

The sharp decline in today's oil prices was driven by the expectations that the U.S. and Iran are closer-than-expected in striking a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 

Crude oil prices dropped 13% to $88.95 a barrel, and international Brent crude prices plunged 11% to $97.20 a barrel.

Broader averages in Europe soared between 2% and 3%, and benchmark indexes in Japan and India advanced 0.4% and 1%, respectively. 

Indexes and mainland China and Hong Kong gained more than 1% after investors returned from the Labor Day weekend. 

Wall Street indexes scaled new highs in the previous trading session and extended five-week gains. 

Since the latest market rally from the bottom on March 30, the S&P 500 index is now up 17%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite has gained over 20%. 

Moreover, corporate earnings have surpassed market expectations, delivering another upward push to the leading tech and industrial companies. 

U.S. Movers 

Advanced Micro Devices soared 21% to $429.58 after the chip and server company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The sustained growth in demand from data centers supported the increase in outlook beyond the market expectations. 

Revenue jumped 38% to $10.3 billion from $7.4 billion, net income advanced 95% to $1.4 billion from $709 million, and diluted earnings per share soared 91% to 84 cents from 44 cents a year ago.

Data center revenue soared 57% from a year ago to $5.8 billion, driven by strong demand for the company's CPU and GPU processors. 

Client and gaming segment revenue rose 23% to $3.6 billion, and embedded segment revenue increased 6% to $873 million. 

For the second quarter, the company estimated revenue of $11.2 billion, with a band of $300 million, an annual increase of 46% from the midpoint of the range, and a sequential increase of 9%. 

The company guided an adjusted gross margin of 56%.

In the year so far, AMD has surged 65% and, over the last 52 weeks of trading, advanced 260%. 

U.S. Indexes Stayed Near Record Highs Overlooking Oil Volatility and Hormuz Risks

Stocks on Wall Street retained an upward bias amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% as Iran and the U.S. claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the lingering uncertainty in the Middle East, benchmark indexes traded at new record highs following strong earnings reports from leading tech and industrial companies.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices edged down 2.3% to $103.90 a barrel, and international Brent crude oil prices declined 1.4% to $112.76 a barrel as investors hoped for a speedier resolution to talks between Iran and the U.S.

Since the end of March, the S&P 500 index has rebounded nearly 15%, and the Nasdaq Composite has advanced nearly 19% amid a recovery from the initial shock of the start of the war in the Middle East.

On the economic front, investors are awaiting the release of April’s non-farm payrolls data on Friday, and they are anticipating an increase of net 40,000.

U.S. Movers

Duolingo decreased 1.5% to $108.75 after the language-learning mobile app operator reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

Revenue increased 27% to $292.0 million, and total bookings jumped 14% to $308.5 million from a year ago, respectively.

The company reported 133.1 million monthly active users last quarter, sharply lower than the 145 million estimated by analysts on Wall Street.

Net income increased to $43.5 million from $35.1 million, and diluted earnings per share advanced to 89 cents from 72 cents a year ago.

U.S. Indexes Stayed Near Record Highs Overlooking Oil Volatility and Hormuz Risks

Stocks on Wall Street retained an upward bias amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% as Iran and the U.S. claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the lingering uncertainty in the Middle East, benchmark indexes traded at new record highs following strong earnings reports from leading tech and industrial companies.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices edged down 2.3% to $103.90 a barrel, and international Brent crude oil prices declined 1.4% to $112.76 a barrel as investors hoped for a speedier resolution to talks between Iran and the U.S.

Since the end of March, the S&P 500 index has rebounded nearly 15%, and the Nasdaq Composite has advanced nearly 19% amid a recovery from the initial shock of the start of the war in the Middle East.

On the economic front, investors are excited for the release of April’s non-farm payrolls data on Friday, and they are anticipating an increase of net 40,000.

U.S. Movers

Duolingo decreased 1.5% to $108.75 after the language-learning mobile app operator reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

Revenue increased 27% to $292.0 million, and total bookings jumped 14% to $308.5 million from a year ago, respectively.

The company reported 133.1 million monthly active users last quarter, sharply lower than the 145 million estimated by analysts on Wall Street.

Net income increased to $43.5 million from $35.1 million, and diluted earnings per share advanced to 89 cents from 72 cents a year ago.

Japanese Yen Rebounded 3% After a Joint intervention

Stocks in Japan advanced on Friday, and investors assessed interest rate outlook amid ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf. 

The Nikki 225 Stock Average increased 0.5%, the broad Topix edged up 0.1%, and the yen soared as much as 3% following an intervention by authorities.

The yen settled higher by 2% to 157.25 against the U.S. dollar following a joint intervention by the Bank of Japan and the Ministry of Finance. 

Crude oil and energy product shipments through the Persian Gulf remained disrupted amid ongoing dual blockade by the U.S. and Iran.

Brent crude oil prices jumped 1.5% to $115.02 a barrel after the US president reaffirmed the US would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran reiterated it would not relinquish its nuclear capabilities and signaled continued control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan Indexes 

The Nikki 225 Stock Average increased 0.5% to 59,580.51, and the broader Topix gained 0.1% to 3,732.07.

SoftBank Group jumped 4% to ¥5,424.0, Advantest Corp. decreased 1.6% to ¥27,815.0, and Tokyo Electron Ltd. advanced 6.9% to ¥47,450.0.

Japanese Yen Rebounded 3% After a Joint intervention

Stocks in Japan advanced on Friday, and investors assessed interest rate outlook amid ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf. 

The Nikki 225 Stock Average increased 0.5%, the broad Topix edged up 0.1%, and the yen soared as much as 3% following an intervention by authorities.

The yen settled higher by 2% to 157.25 against the U.S. dollar following a joint intervention by the Bank of Japan and the Ministry of Finance. 

Crude oil and energy product shipments through the Persian Gulf remained disrupted amid ongoing dual blockade by the U.S. and Iran.

Brent crude oil prices jumped 1.5% to $115.02 a barrel after the US president reaffirmed the US would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran reiterated it would not relinquish its nuclear capabilities and signaled continued control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan Indexes 

The Nikki 225 Stock Average increased 0.5% to 59,580.51, and the broader Topix gained 0.1% to 3,732.07.

SoftBank Group jumped 4% to ¥5,424.0, Advantest Corp. decreased 1.6% to ¥27,815.0, and Tokyo Electron Ltd. advanced 6.9% to ¥47,450.0.

Tech Leaders Confirm AI Investment Plans After Strong Quarterly Results

Benchmark indexes rested near the flat line as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings. 

The S&P 500 Index edged down 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.3% after leading tech companies reported quarterly results. 

Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Microsoft reported sharp advances in revenue and earnings in the first quarter.

Crude oil prices traded at four-year highs of $106 a barrel amid reports that the U.S. is preparing for an extended blockage of Iranian ports until a nuclear agreement is reached.

The The Federal Reserve left fed funds rates in the range of 3.5% and 3.75% unrevised, lowering 2026 economic growth to 2.0% from the previous estimate of 2.2%, and the PCE Price Index is accelerating to 2.7%. 

Fed Chairman Powell cited elevated inflation and increased global energy prices as key reasons for the weakening broader economic outlook.

U.S. Movers 

Amazon.com Inc. gained 2.6% to $269.88 after the e-commerce company reported better-than-expected quarterly results. 

Microsoft decreased 1.8% to $416.90 after the software developer reported fiscal third-quarter results. 

Revenue from Azure and other cloud services soared 40% from a year ago. 

Meta Platforms declined 9% to $610.90 after the company's capital spending estimate of $19.84 billion fell short of market expectations.

Alphabet Inc. jumped 7.3% to $372.66 after the revenue of the search engine reached $107.2 billion. 

Tech Leaders Confirm AI Investment Plans After Strong Quarterly Results

Benchmark indexes rested near the flat line as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings. 

The S&P 500 Index edged down 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.3% after leading tech companies reported quarterly results. 

Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Microsoft reported sharp advances in revenue and earnings in the first quarter.

Crude oil prices traded at four-year highs of $106 a barrel amid reports that the U.S. is preparing for an extended blockage of Iranian ports until a nuclear agreement is reached.

The The Federal Reserve left fed funds rates in the range of 3.5% and 3.75% unrevised, lowering 2026 economic growth to 2.0% from the previous estimate of 2.2%, and the PCE Price Index is accelerating to 2.7%. 

Fed Chairman Powell cited elevated inflation and increased global energy prices as key reasons for the weakening broader economic outlook.

U.S. Movers 

Amazon.com Inc. gained 2.6% to $269.88 after the e-commerce company reported better-than-expected quarterly results. 

Microsoft decreased 1.8% to $416.90 after the software developer reported fiscal third-quarter results. 

Revenue from Azure and other cloud services soared 40% from a year ago. 

Meta Platforms declined 9% to $610.90 after the company's capital spending estimate of $19.84 billion fell short of market expectations.

Alphabet Inc. jumped 7.3% to $372.66 after the revenue of the search engine reached $107.2 billion. 

AI-Driven Tech Stocks Lead Gainers On Wall Street

Stocks in New York traded sideways as investors reviewed another batch of earnings. 

The S&P 500 Index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite stayed close to the flatline, and investors awaited the release of quarterly results from leading tech companies.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold the Fed funds rate unrevised between 3.5% and 3.75% for the third consecutive meeting in April, as policymakers assess the impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With oil prices continuing to rise, reigniting inflationary forces, the outlook for the economy remains uncertain, despite the labor market and broader economic indicators remaining resilient.

U.S. Movers

Starbucks rose 5% to $102.0 after the coffee chain operator's quarterly results surpassed market expectations and the company raised its outlook.

Seagate Technology PLC soared 17% to $682.01 after the digital storage company reported strong third-quarter results and the company raised its outlook for the quarter.

NXP Semiconductors soared 18% to $272.00 after the company provided a strong second-quarter outlook. 

Yum Brands Inc. increased 0.6% to $157.26 after the fast food company reported strong quarterly results, driven by an 8% rise in same-store sales at Taco Bell. 

AI-Driven Tech Stocks Lead Gainers On Wall Street

Stocks in New York traded sideways as investors reviewed another batch of earnings. 

The S&P 500 Index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite stayed close to the flatline, and investors awaited the release of quarterly results from leading tech companies.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold the Fed funds rate unrevised between 3.5% and 3.75% for the third consecutive meeting in April, as policymakers assess the impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With oil prices continuing to rise, reigniting inflationary forces, the outlook for the economy remains uncertain, despite the labor market and broader economic indicators remaining resilient.

U.S. Movers

Starbucks rose 5% to $102.0 after the coffee chain operator's quarterly results surpassed market expectations and the company raised its outlook.

Seagate Technology PLC soared 17% to $682.01 after the digital storage company reported strong third-quarter results and the company raised its outlook for the quarter.

NXP Semiconductors soared 18% to $272.00 after the company provided a strong second-quarter outlook. 

Yum Brands Inc. increased 0.6% to $157.26 after the fast food company reported strong quarterly results, driven by an 8% rise in same-store sales at Taco Bell. 

China Stocks Lacked Direction Amid Global Stagflation Worries

Stocks in China and Hong Kong diverged amid an uncertain geopolitical outlook and lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf. 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6%, as investors reviewed the latest batch of corporate results.

Brent crude oil prices fell 0.1% to $111.20 a barrel as U.S. and Iran peace talks stalled and the possibility of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz increased.

Tensions between the U.S. and China rose ahead of the planned summit between the leaders of two nations after Beijing regulators prevented Meta Platforms from acquiring AI startup Maus, asserting their control on key technologies. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.2% to 25,995.58, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6% to 4,788.53. 

Foxconn decreased more than 3% even as the company reported a triple-digit growth in AI-driven revenue and earnings, driven by a strong demand for cloud computing and data centers.

China Stocks Lacked Direction Amid Global Stagflation Worries

Stocks in China and Hong Kong diverged amid an uncertain geopolitical outlook and lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf. 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6%, as investors reviewed the latest batch of corporate results.

Brent crude oil prices fell 0.1% to $111.20 a barrel as U.S. and Iran peace talks stalled and the possibility of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz increased.

Tensions between the U.S. and China rose ahead of the planned summit between the leaders of two nations after Beijing regulators prevented Meta Platforms from acquiring AI startup Maus, asserting their control on key technologies. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.2% to 25,995.58, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6% to 4,788.53. 

Foxconn decreased more than 3% even as the company reported a triple-digit growth in AI-driven revenue and earnings, driven by a strong demand for cloud computing and data centers.

U.S. Investors Reacted to Latest Earnings Reports, Tech Stocks In Focus

Benchmark indexes in New York hovered near new record highs set in the previous session, and investors overlooked lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings. 

General Motors, UPS, Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum, Airbus, Novartis, and Barclays reported their quarterly results.

After the close of the regular trading session, Visa, Starbucks, T-Mobile, NXP Semiconductors, Booking Holdings, Waste Management, and CoStar are scheduled to release their quarterly updates.

Crude oil prices in New York advanced 3.5% to $99.85 a barrel, and the UAE announced its decision to exit OPEC on May 1. 

U.S. Movers 

General Motors increased 1% to $78.27 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and the automaker raised its 2026 outlook.

Coca-Cola Company jumped 3.7% to $78.26 after the beverage maker's first-quarter revenue and earnings surpassed market expectations. 

Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents on revenue of $12.5 billion.

UPS decreased 5.5% to $102.56 after the company's latest quarterly revenue and earnings fell short of analysts' expectations.

The parcel delivery company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 on revenue of $21.2 billion.

U.S. Investors Reacted to Latest Earnings Reports, Tech Stocks In Focus

Benchmark indexes in New York hovered near new record highs set in the previous session, and investors overlooked lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings. 

General Motors, UPS, Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum, Airbus, Novartis, and Barclays reported their quarterly results.

After the close of the regular trading session, Visa, Starbucks, T-Mobile, NXP Semiconductors, Booking Holdings, Waste Management, and CoStar are scheduled to release their quarterly updates.

Crude oil prices in New York advanced 3.5% to $99.85 a barrel, and the UAE announced its decision to exit OPEC on May 1. 

U.S. Movers 

General Motors increased 1% to $78.27 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and the automaker raised its 2026 outlook.

Coca-Cola Company jumped 3.7% to $78.26 after the beverage maker's first-quarter revenue and earnings surpassed market expectations. 

Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents on revenue of $12.5 billion.

UPS decreased 5.5% to $102.56 after the company's latest quarterly revenue and earnings fell short of analysts' expectations.

The parcel delivery company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 on revenue of $21.2 billion.

U.S. Investors Reacted to Latest Earnings Reports, Tech Stocks In F

Benchmark indexes in New York hovered near new record highs set in the previous session, and investors overlooked lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings. 

General Motors, UPS, Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum, Airbus, Novartis, and Barclays reported their quarterly results.

After the close of the regular trading session, Visa, Starbucks, T-Mobile, NXP Semiconductors, Booking Holdings, Waste Management, and CoStar are scheduled to release their quarterly updates.

Crude oil prices in New York advanced 3.5% to $99.85 a barrel, and the UAE, the third largest oil producer in the OPEC, announced its decision to exit the organization on May 1. 

U.S. Movers 

General Motors increased 1% to $78.27 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and the automaker raised its 2026 outlook.

Coca-Cola Company jumped 3.7% to $78.26 after the beverage maker's first-quarter revenue and earnings surpassed market expectations. 

Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents on revenue of $12.5 billion.

UPS decreased 5.5% to $102.56 after the company's latest quarterly revenue and earnings fell short of analysts' expectations.

The parcel delivery company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 on revenue of $21.2 billion.

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