Three Consecutive Monthly Declines On Wall Street Set the Stage for Technical Rebound in April

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to rebound as investors returned from a three-day weekend. 

The S&P500 Index increased 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.5% amid conflicting reports over the U.S.-Iran war negotiations. 

Israel's war on Iran, supported by the U.S., has effectively shown that there is no military solution to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. 

At the end of last month and last week, world stock market indexes hovered near new 2026 lows, crude oil prices soared, and Iran dictated terms to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical thoroughfare for energy product shipment to Asia.

World markets zigzagged amid lingering uncertainty over global energy supply through the Persian Gulf and its impact on food and fuel prices in the weeks ahead.

The U.S. and Israel's war on Iran has now dragged into the second month with no end in sight, disrupting the ocean shipments between the oil-rich Gulf nations and Asian economies. 

Over the five-week period since the start of the war on February 28, benchmark indexes in the U.S. declined between 4% and 8%; Germany fell 8%; Japan dropped 9%; Hong Kong decreased 11%; and India plunged 15%. 

The major indexes experienced wild swings last week, and crude oil prices whipsawed in volatile trading at the start of the new week amid conflicting reports from Pakistan, Tehran, and Washington, D.C.

Crude oil prices in New York declined 1.1% to $101.31 a barrel, and Brent crude oil prices, the international benchmark, decreased 0.9% to $108.06 a barrel. 

Gold edged higher 0.4% to $4,692.52 an ounce as investor sentiment improved on prospects for a ceasefire in the Middle East. 

Last week, the S&P 500 Index advanced nearly 6%, snapping a five-week losing streak and marking the widely followed benchmark's best performance since last November.

The Nasdaq registered 4.4%, ending its five-week slide as investor sentiment gyrated over a possible ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

U.S. Added Jobs in March Despite Downward Revision in Jan-Feb Period

On the economic front, the U.S. economy added 178,000 net new jobs in March, according to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The statistical agency upwardly revised January gains by 34,000 to 160,000 and downwardly revised February losses by 41,000 to 133,000. 

The decline in employment and subsequent rebound in March reflected the return of ambulatory workers after the ending of the strike.

The combined employment for two months is lower by 7,000 than previously reported. 

Both the unemployment rate, at 4.3%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in March, and these measures also changed little over the year.

The average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 3.5% from a year ago to $37.38. 

Japan's Indexes and Energy Market Overlooked New Threats from U.S. President

Japan's benchmark indexes advanced for the second consecutive session, and investors overlooked a new wave of threats from the U.S. president.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased more than 1%, the broader Topix advanced 0.6%, and the yen hovered at a multi-month low of 159.55 against the U.S. dollar. 

Brent crude oil prices erased morning gains and traded around $109.67 a barrel after the U.S. president issued a postponement of his previously deferred deadline to attack Iran's energy and civilian infrastructure to Tuesday evening.

Iran ignored the latest expletive-laden threats issued by Trump and vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. Moreover, targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure could be ruled as a war crime.

About 109 oil and energy product tankers pass through a narrow waterway daily, connecting energy producers in the Middle East and Asia. 

Since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran on February 28, the oil tanker shipments have plunged to less than 20, impacting regional goods transportation and global energy products flows.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.2% to 53,759.53, and the broader Topix added 0.6% to 3,665.54. 

Nippon Yusen jumped 2.6% to ¥6,321.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines rose 2.4% to ¥6,931.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha jumped 2.4% to ¥2,766.0. 

SoftBank Group added 1.7% to ¥3,673.0, Tokyo Electron gained 1.7% to ¥39,070.0, and Advantest Corp. jumped 2.8% to ¥22,160.0. 

Toyota Motor Corp. increased 0.3% to ¥3,264.0, Honda Motor Corp. fell 0.8% to ¥1,259.50, and Nissan Motor Corp. eased 0.5% to ¥353.40. 

Japan's Indexes and Energy Market Overlooked New Threats from U.S. President

Japan's benchmark indexes advanced for the second consecutive session, and investors overlooked a new wave of threats from the U.S. president.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased more than 1%, the broader Topix advanced 0.6%, and the yen hovered at a multi-month low of 159.55 against the U.S. dollar. 

Brent crude oil prices erased morning gains and traded around $109.67 a barrel after the U.S. president issued a postponement of his previously deferred deadline to attack Iran's energy and civilian infrastructure to Tuesday evening.

Iran ignored the latest expletive-laden threats issued by Trump and vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. Moreover, targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure could be ruled as a war crime.

About 109 oil and energy product tankers pass through a narrow waterway daily, connecting energy producers in the Middle East and Asia. 

Since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran on February 28, the oil tanker shipments have plunged to less than 20, impacting regional goods transportation and global energy products flows.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.2% to 53,759.53, and the broader Topix added 0.6% to 3,665.54. 

Nippon Yusen jumped 2.6% to ¥6,321.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines rose 2.4% to ¥6,931.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha jumped 2.4% to ¥2,766.0. 

SoftBank Group added 1.7% to ¥3,673.0, Tokyo Electron gained 1.7% to ¥39,070.0, and Advantest Corp. jumped 2.8% to ¥22,160.0. 

Toyota Motor Corp. increased 0.3% to ¥3,264.0, Honda Motor Corp. fell 0.8% to ¥1,259.50, and Nissan Motor Corp. eased 0.5% to ¥353.40. 

Japan's Indexes Extended Weekly Gains to 4% Overlooking Rising Risks to Higher Rates

Japan's benchmark indexes rebounded in volatile trading amid speculation that diplomatic efforts may pave a way to reopen the critical waterway in the Middle East. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.1%, the broader Topix index advanced 0.8%, and the yen hovered at 159.62 against the U.S. dollar. 

For the week, benchmark indexes advanced more than 4%, and they increased over 3% year to date.

Asian markets struggled to advance on the final day of a chaotic week, as the U.S. president sent mixed messages over the war on Iran. 

The U.S. military maintains at least 19 military bases in several Gulf nations; however, many of those bases have been severely damaged and are lacking a stable supply of interceptors or operational air defense systems.

These bases were designed to provide maritime security, rapid response, and protection from missile attacks from hostile regimes in the region. 

Instead, these bases have become targets of Iran's drone swarms and missile attacks, destabilizing crucial energy exports and deteriorating economic conditions. 

Global market sentiment remained fragile as Iran and Oman discussed plans to monitor transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. reiterated its plans to continue bombing Iran. 

China and Pakistan floated a plan, along with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, to ramp up arms production in the Middle East, replacing the U.S. armament. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.1% to 53,026.84, and the broader Topix advanced 0.8% to 3,640.30. 

Technology, semiconductor equipment makers, and shipping stocks led the gainers in Tokyo on Friday. 

SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Disco Corp. gained between 2% and 4%. 

Nippon Yusen, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines fluctuated around the flatline. 

Japan Oil Transport, Idemitsu Kosan, and Fuji Oil traded in a tight band of 2% amid elevated crude oil prices and an uncertain outlook over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Japan's Indexes Extended Weekly Gains to 4% Overlooking Rising Risks to Higher Rates Headwinds

Japan's benchmark indexes rebounded in volatile trading amid speculation that diplomatic efforts may pave a way to reopen the critical waterway in the Middle East. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.1%, the broader Topix index advanced 0.8%, and the yen hovered at 159.62 against the U.S. dollar. 

For the week, benchmark indexes advanced more than 4%, and they increased over 3% year to date.

Asian markets struggled to advance on the final day of a chaotic week, as the U.S. president sent mixed messages over the war on Iran. 

The U.S. military maintains at least 19 military bases in several Gulf nations; however, many of those bases have been severely damaged and are lacking a stable supply of interceptors or operational air defense systems.

These bases were designed to provide maritime security, rapid response, and protection from missile attacks from hostile regimes in the region. 

Instead, these bases have become targets of Iran's drone swarms and missile attacks, destabilizing crucial energy exports and deteriorating economic conditions. 

Global market sentiment remained fragile as Iran and Oman discussed plans to monitor transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. reiterated its plans to continue bombing Iran. 

China and Pakistan floated a plan, along with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, to ramp up arms production in the Middle East, replacing the U.S. armament. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.1% to 53,026.84, and the broader Topix advanced 0.8% to 3,640.30. 

Technology, semiconductor equipment makers, and shipping stocks led the gainers in Tokyo on Friday. 

SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., and Disco Corp. gained between 2% and 4%. 

Nippon Yusen, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines fluctuated around the flatline. 

Japan Oil Transport, Idemitsu Kosan, and Fuji Oil traded in a tight band of 2% amid elevated crude oil prices and an uncertain outlook over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

China Indexes Closed Down On Friday After a Chaotic Week

Stocks in mainland China extended weekly losses amid ongoing worries about the prolonged war in the Middle East. 

The CSI 300 Index decreased by 0.7% and crude oil prices advanced as investors worried about global supply stability. 

Global market sentiment remained fragile as Iran and Oman discussed plans to monitor transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. reiterated its plans to continue bombing Iran. 

China and Pakistan floated a plan, along with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, to ramp up arms production in the Middle East, replacing the U.S. armament. 

The U.S. military maintains at least 15 military bases in several Gulf nations; however, many of those bases have been severely damaged and are lacking a stable supply of interceptors or operational air defense systems.

China Indexes and Stocks 

In Shanghai, the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.7% to 4,450.32, and financial markets were closed in Hong Kong to celebrate Good Friday and the Qingming Festival. 

A private survey showed that China's business activity growth slowed in March from February amid challenging external markets and domestic environments. 

The RatingDog Purchasing Managers' Index slowed to 51.5 in March from 55.4 in February, driven by a slowdown in the manufacturing index to 50.8 from 52.1 and the service index to 52.1 from 56.7 in the previous month, respectively. 

In Shanghai trading, banks, EV makers, and resource stocks led the decliners. 

Bank of China, BYD, Contemporary Amperex Technology, ICBC, China Vanke, and PetroChina dropped between 2% and 4%. 

China Indexes Closed Down On Friday After a Chaotic Week

Stocks in mainland China extended weekly losses amid ongoing worries about the prolonged war in the Middle East. 

The CSI 300 Index decreased by 0.7% and crude oil prices advanced as investors worried about global supply stability. 

Global market sentiment remained fragile as Iran and Oman discussed plans to monitor transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. reiterated its plans to continue bombing Iran. 

China and Pakistan floated a plan, along with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, to ramp up arms production in the Middle East, replacing the U.S. armament. 

The U.S. military maintains at least 15 military bases in several Gulf nations; however, many of those bases have been severely damaged and are lacking a stable supply of interceptors or operational air defense systems.

China Indexes and Stocks 

In Shanghai, the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.7% to 4,450.32, and financial markets were closed in Hong Kong to celebrate Good Friday and the Qingming Festival. 

A private survey showed that China's business activity growth slowed in March from February amid challenging external markets and domestic environments. 

The RatingDog Purchasing Managers' Index slowed to 51.5 in March from 55.4 in February, driven by a slowdown in the manufacturing index to 50.8 from 52.1 and the service index to 52.1 from 56.7 in the previous month, respectively. 

In Shanghai trading, banks, EV makers, and resource stocks led the decliners. 

Bank of China, BYD, Contemporary Amperex Technology, ICBC, China Vanke, and PetroChina dropped between 2% and 4%. 

U.S. and World Indexes Plunged and Oil Sored 10% Amid Uncertainty Over War On Iran

Stocks in New York faced renewed skepticism amid new worries of uncertainties in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 1.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.7% as investors took their cue from the oil market. 

The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil soared 9.2% to $190.25 after the U.S. president said war could continue for several weeks and threaten to reduce Iran to "Stone Age."

Benchmark indexes in South Korea fell 4.5%, in Japan fell 2.4%, in Germany decreased 24%, in France eased 1.7%, in Hong Kong and Shanghai dropped 1%, but in India rose 0.3%.

Thursday marks the last trading session of this week in New York, and financial markets are closed for Good Friday. 

On the economic front, investors are awaiting weekly jobless claims data later today and March's jobs report on Friday.

Despite a series of economic headwinds, the job market has remained resilient, but businesses have slowed hiring and firing in the previous twelve months. 

U.S. Movers 

Investors are looking ahead to the start of the earnings season, and Delta Airlines and Levi Strauss are set to release early next week.

Oil complex stocks headed higher after crude oil prices soared following the U.S. president's remarks. 

Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, and Diamondback Energy advanced as much as 4%. 

Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Air, and Southwest Airlines fell between 4% and 5%. 

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line dropped between 3% and 5%.

Wall Street Indexes Dropped 2% Amid Uncertainty Related to War On Iran

Stocks in New York faced renewed skepticism amid new worries of uncertainties in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 1.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.7% as investors took their cue from the oil market. 

The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil soared 9.2% to $190.25 after the U.S. president said war could continue for several weeks and threaten to reduce Iran to "Stone Age."

Thursday marks the last trading session of this week, and financial markets are closed for Good Friday. 

On the economic front, investors are awaiting weekly jobless claims data later today and March's jobs report on Friday.

Despite a series of economic headwinds, the job market has remained resilient, but businesses have slowed hiring and firing in the previous twelve months. 

U.S. Movers 

Investors are looking ahead to the start of the earnings season, and Delta Airlines and Levi Strauss are set to release early next week.

Oil complex stocks headed higher after crude oil prices soared following the U.S. president's remarks. 

Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, and Diamondback Energy advanced as much as 4%. 

Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Air, and Southwest Airlines fell between 4% and 5%. 

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line dropped between 3% and 5%.

China and Asia Stocks Dropped Amid Worries of Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

Stocks in China and Hong Kong headed lower and trimmed weekly gains amid lingering uncertainty over the conflict in the Middle East. 

The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 1% as crude oil prices rebounded following mixed messages from the U.S. president.

In a televised address to the nation, Donald Trump claimed that core objectives of the latest military campaign targeting Iran, but he also threatened to escalate attacks over the next two to three weeks. 

Brent crude oil prices soared 6.4% to $107.73 a barrel following Trump's belligerent message, raising fears of a prolonged disruption of shipments of energy products.

The People's Bank of China drained liquidity, reversing months of support provided to sustain the economic growth.

The central bank drained 890 billion yuan through short-term operations in March and absorbed another 250 billion yuan through longer-term tools, which indicates a significant tightening of monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation and stabilizing the economy.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.5% to 24,924.67, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index declined 1% to 4,477.33. 

Alibaba Holdings, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu Inc. decreased between 1% and 3%. 

Zhongji Innolight, Eoptolink Technology, and NAURA Technology dropped between 2% and 3%. 

China and Asia Stocks Amid Worries of Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

Stocks in China and Hong Kong headed lower and trimmed weekly gains amid lingering uncertainty over the conflict in the Middle East. 

The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 1% as crude oil prices rebounded following mixed messages from the U.S. president.

In a televised address to the nation, Donald Trump claimed that core objectives of the latest military campaign targeting Iran, but he also threatened to escalate attacks over the next two to three weeks. 

Brent crude oil prices soared 6.4% to $107.73 a barrel following Trump's belligerent message, raising fears of a prolonged disruption of shipments of energy products.

The People's Bank of China drained liquidity, reversing months of support provided to sustain the economic growth.

The central bank drained 890 billion yuan through short-term operations in March and absorbed another 250 billion yuan through longer-term tools, which indicates a significant tightening of monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation and stabilizing the economy.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.5% to 24,924.67, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index declined 1% to 4,477.33. 

Alibaba Holdings, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu Inc. decreased between 1% and 3%. 

Zhongji Innolight, Eoptolink Technology, and NAURA Technology dropped between 2% and 3%.