U.S. Movers: J.B. Hunt, PepsiCo, PPG, Taiwan Semiconductor

Scott Peters
16 Apr, 2026
New York City

J.B. Hunt Transport Services advanced 2.4% to $228.75 after the trucking and logistics services provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The logistics company reported earnings of $1.49 a share on revenue of $3.1 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Taiwan Semiconductor declined 1.7% to $368.56, and the advanced chipmaker reported a 58% jump in earnings in its latest quarter.

Revenue in the March quarter jumped 35% to a record high of NT $1.14 trillion, and net income surged 58% to a record high of NT $572.5 billion. 

In U.S. dollars, first quarter revenue was $35.90 billion, an increase of 40.6% from a year ago and 6.4% from the previous quarter. 

The Taiwan-based company estimated second-quarter revenue to range between $39.0 and $40.2 billion and operating profit margin between 56.5% and 58.5%. 

PepsiCo jumped 1.3% to $156.89 after the snack and beverage company's first-quarter results surpassed market estimates. 

Revenue increased 8.5% to $19.4 billion from $17.9 billion, net income advanced to $2.3 billion from $1.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 27% to $1.70 from $1.33 a year ago.

Net revenue increased 8.5% due to a 3.4 percentage-point benefit from foreign exchange translation, 2.6% organic revenue growth, and a 2.5 percentage-point net benefit from acquisitions and divestitures.

PPG Industries advanced 4% to $112.00 after the paint coating manufacturing company announced a global price increase of 20% across all its product lines. 

U.S. Movers: J.B. Hunt, PepsiCo, PPG, Taiwan Semiconductor

Scott Peters
16 Apr, 2026
New York City

J.B. Hunt Transport Services advanced 2.4% to $228.75 after the trucking and logistics services provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The logistics company reported earnings of $1.49 a share on revenue of $3.1 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Taiwan Semiconductor declined 1.7% to $368.56, and the advanced chipmaker reported a 58% jump in earnings in its latest quarter.

Revenue in the March quarter jumped 35% to a record high of NT $1.14 trillion, and net income surged 58% to a record high of NT $572.5 billion. 

In U.S. dollars, first quarter revenue was $35.90 billion, an increase of 40.6% from a year ago and 6.4% from the previous quarter. 

The Taiwan-based company estimated second-quarter revenue to range between $39.0 and $40.2 billion and operating profit margin between 56.5% and 58.5%. 

PepsiCo jumped 1.3% to $156.89 after the snack and beverage company's first-quarter results surpassed market estimates. 

Revenue increased 8.5% to $19.4 billion from $17.9 billion, net income advanced to $2.3 billion from $1.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 27% to $1.70 from $1.33 a year ago.

Net revenue increased 8.5% due to a 3.4 percentage-point benefit from foreign exchange translation, 2.6% organic revenue growth, and a 2.5 percentage-point net benefit from acquisitions and divestitures.

PPG Industries advanced 4% to $112.00 after the paint coating manufacturing company announced a global price increase of 20% across all its product lines. 

U.S. Stocks Set to Extend 2-Week Rally Amid Hopes for Iran War's End

Barry Adams
16 Apr, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street retained an upward bias amid expectations that a potential deal between Iran and the U.S. is likely to materialize as early as this week.

The S&P 500 Index edged up 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite inched higher 0.2% as investors held out for the shipments of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz.

Benchmark indexes recovered more than 10% over the last twelve trading sessions, erasing losses since the start of war on Iran at the end of February. 

West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices edged up 0.4% to $91.67 a barrel, and the international benchmark, Brent crude, advanced 1% to $95.82 a barrel.

Despite the brewing enthusiasm, investor sentiment remained fragile amid ongoing uncertainties over Persian Gulf energy production and shipments. 

Higher energy prices have begun to ripple through the broader U.S. economy as retailers raise prices of food and chemical and paint makers pass on higher energy prices to consumers. 

U.S. Movers 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services advanced 2.4% to $228.75 after the trucking and logistics services provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The logistics company reported earnings of $1.49 a share on revenue of $3.1 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Taiwan Semiconductor declined 1.7% to $368.56, and the advanced chipmaker reported a 58% jump in earnings in its latest quarter.

Revenue in the March quarter jumped 35% to a record high of NT $1.14 trillion, and net income surged 58% to a record high of NT $572.5 billion. 

In U.S. dollars, first quarter revenue was $35.90 billion, an increase of 40.6% from a year ago and 6.4% from the previous quarter. 

The Taiwan-based company estimated second-quarter revenue to range between $39.0 and $40.2 billion and operating profit margin between 56.5% and 58.5%. 

PepsiCo jumped 1.3% to $156.89 after the snack and beverage company's first-quarter results surpassed market estimates. 

Revenue increased 8.5% to $19.4 billion from $17.9 billion, net income advanced to $2.3 billion from $1.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 27% to $1.70 from $1.33 a year ago.

Net revenue increased 8.5% due to a 3.4 percentage-point benefit from foreign exchange translation, 2.6% organic revenue growth, and a 2.5 percentage-point net benefit from acquisitions and divestitures.

PPG Industries advanced 4% to $112.00 after the paint coating manufacturing company announced a global price increase of 20% across all its product lines. 

U.S. Stocks Set to Extend 2-Week Rally Amid Hopes for Iran War's End

Barry Adams
16 Apr, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street retained an upward bias amid expectations that a potential deal between Iran and the U.S. is likely to materialize as early as this week.

The S&P 500 Index edged up 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite inched higher 0.2% as investors held out for the shipments of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz.

Benchmark indexes recovered more than 10% over the last twelve trading sessions, erasing losses since the start of war on Iran at the end of February. 

West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices edged up 0.4% to $91.67 a barrel, and the international benchmark, Brent crude, advanced 1% to $95.82 a barrel.

Despite the brewing enthusiasm, investor sentiment remained fragile amid ongoing uncertainties over Persian Gulf energy production and shipments. 

Higher energy prices have begun to ripple through the broader U.S. economy as retailers raise prices of food and chemical and paint makers pass on higher energy prices to consumers. 

U.S. Movers 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services advanced 2.4% to $228.75 after the trucking and logistics services provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The logistics company reported earnings of $1.49 a share on revenue of $3.1 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Taiwan Semiconductor declined 1.7% to $368.56, and the advanced chipmaker reported a 58% jump in earnings in its latest quarter.

Revenue in the March quarter jumped 35% to a record high of NT $1.14 trillion, and net income surged 58% to a record high of NT $572.5 billion. 

In U.S. dollars, first quarter revenue was $35.90 billion, an increase of 40.6% from a year ago and 6.4% from the previous quarter. 

The Taiwan-based company estimated second-quarter revenue to range between $39.0 and $40.2 billion and operating profit margin between 56.5% and 58.5%. 

PepsiCo jumped 1.3% to $156.89 after the snack and beverage company's first-quarter results surpassed market estimates. 

Revenue increased 8.5% to $19.4 billion from $17.9 billion, net income advanced to $2.3 billion from $1.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 27% to $1.70 from $1.33 a year ago.

Net revenue increased 8.5% due to a 3.4 percentage-point benefit from foreign exchange translation, 2.6% organic revenue growth, and a 2.5 percentage-point net benefit from acquisitions and divestitures.

PPG Industries advanced 4% to $112.00 after the paint coating manufacturing company announced a global price increase of 20% across all its product lines. 

China's Economic Growth Accelerated to 5% In First Quarter Despite Middle East Tensions

Li Chen
16 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong rebounded and approached a four-year high supported by upbeat economic data and optimism over the U.S.-Iran negotiations. 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.8% after the statistics bureau released an economic growth update. 

China's economy expanded 5% from a year ago in the first quarter, accelerating from 4.5% in the previous quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

So far the economy has managed to absorb supply disruptions and energy-driven inflation, but the weakness in retail sales and consumer sentiment kept the economic growth uneven.

The sharp slowdown in export growth is likely to worsen in the current quarter amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties related to the U.S. tariffs. 

China's Persistent Residential Price Deflation Extended March

China's new home prices across 70 cities fell 3.4% from a year ago in March, according to a separate report by the statistical agency.

New home prices fell for the 33rd month in a row, despite Beijing's policy support and financial incentives from the People's Bank of China.

Prices declined in Beijing by 2.1% compared to 2.3%; in Guangzhou, dropped by 4.7% compared to 5.1%; in Shenzhen, 5.5% compared to 5.5%; in Chongqing, by 4.4% compared to 3.8%; and in Tianjin, by 4.8% compared to 4.2% in February, respectively. 

However, prices in Shanghai rose at a slower rate of 3.7% compared to 4.2% in February.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.5% to 26,339.60, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.8% to 4,723.88. 

Sigenergy Technology soared more than 90% to HK $623.00 after the Shanghai-based integrated solar power system provider for households raised its initial public offering price at HK $324 per share. 

The company sold 13.57 million shares and raised HK$4.4 billion in gross proceeds. 

Alibaba Group soared 5%, Tencent Holdings advanced 3%, and Baidu Inc. jumped 7.5%. 

China's Economic Growth Accelerated to 5% In First Quarter Despite Middle Eas

Li Chen
16 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong rebounded and approached a four-year high supported by upbeat economic data and optimism over the U.S.-Iran negotiations. 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.8% after the statistics bureau released an economic growth update. 

China's economy expanded 5% from a year ago in the first quarter, accelerating from 4.5% in the previous quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

So far the economy has managed to absorb supply disruptions and energy-driven inflation, but the weakness in retail sales and consumer sentiment kept the economic growth uneven.

The sharp slowdown in export growth is likely to worsen in the current quarter amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties related to the U.S. tariffs. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.5% to 26,339.60, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.8% to 4,723.88. 

Sigenergy Technology soared more than 90% to HK $623.00 after the Shanghai-based integrated solar power system provider for households raised its initial public offering price at HK $324 per share. 

The company sold 13.57 million shares and raised HK$4.4 billion in gross proceeds. 

Alibaba Group soared 5%, Tencent Holdings advanced 3%, and Baidu Inc. jumped 7.5%. 

Ten-Day Rally On Wall Street Faces Skepticism In Energy Markets

Barry Adams
15 Apr, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street meandered and struggled to extend a ten-day rally as investors held out for a diplomatic solution to the Persian Gulf conflict.

The S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite were nearly unchanged, and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note edged up to 4.27%.

The two widely followed benchmarks erased losses since the start of the U.S.-Iran war, and they approached close to record highs powered by the latest rally. 

Crude oil prices jumped 1% to $92.08 a barrel in New York and gained 0.9% to $95.71 a barrel in London trading amid hopes of de-escalation in tensions in the Persian Gulf. 

Since the start of the war on Iran, shipments of energy products have been disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up crude oil prices by more than 60% and jet fuel prices by more than 100%.

Benchmark indexes in New York, Tokyo, Frankfurt, London, and Paris have rebounded over the last two weeks, erasing nearly a 10% decline between February 28 and March 30.

U.S. Movers

Bank of America increased 1% to $53.82, and the financial services provider reported better-than-expected results in the first quarter. 

The bank earned $1.11 per share on revenue of $30.4 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Morgan Stanley advanced 2.7% to $188.30 after the investment bank and asset manager reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The financial service provider earned $3.43 per share on $20.6 billion in revenue, significantly ahead of market expectations.

Ten-Day Rally On Wall Street Faces Skepticism In Energy Markets

Barry Adams
15 Apr, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street meandered and struggled to extend a ten-day rally as investors held out for a diplomatic solution to the Persian Gulf conflict.

The S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite were nearly unchanged, and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note edged up to 4.27%.

The two widely followed benchmarks erased losses since the start of the U.S.-Iran war, and they approached close to record highs powered by the latest rally. 

Crude oil prices jumped 1% to $92.08 a barrel in New York and gained 0.9% to $95.71 a barrel in London trading amid hopes of de-escalation in tensions in the Persian Gulf. 

Since the start of the war on Iran, shipments of energy products have been disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up crude oil prices by more than 60% and jet fuel prices by more than 100%.

Benchmark indexes in New York, Tokyo, Frankfurt, London, and Paris have rebounded over the last two weeks, erasing nearly a 10% decline between February 28 and March 30.

U.S. Movers

Bank of America increased 1% to $53.82, and the financial services provider reported better-than-expected results in the first quarter. 

The bank earned $1.11 per share on revenue of $30.4 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Morgan Stanley advanced 2.7% to $188.30 after the investment bank and asset manager reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. 

The financial service provider earned $3.43 per share on $20.6 billion in revenue, significantly ahead of market expectations.

Japan's Benchmark Indexes Inched Closer to Pre-Persian Gulf War Record Highs

Akira Ito
15 Apr, 2026
Tokyo

Stock market averages rebounded for the second consecutive session amid hopes for a diplomatic solution to the latest war in the Persian Gulf. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1%, and the broader Topix edged up 0.6%; and the yen hovered at 158.96 against the U.S. dollar.

Investors in Asia and Japan speculated that Iran and the U.S. could resume the second round of talks and avoid prolonging conflict in the Persian Gulf. 

In overnight trading on Wall Street, the S&P 500 Index gained 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2%.

The Brent crude oil prices erased morning losses and advanced 1% to $95.76 a barrel. 

Investors surmised that the Bank of Japan is likely to revise its inflation expectations higher after the policy meeting this month, reflecting a sharp rise in energy prices. 

The yield on five-year Japanese government bonds held firm at 2.405%.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 0.9% to 58,400.76, and the broader Topix advanced 0.6% to 3,776.95. 

Technology and semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo trading on Wednesday. 

Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, SoftBank Group, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 5%. 

Financial stocks edged higher as investors held out that the Bank of Japan is likely to hold rates steady, despite rising inflation expectations. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, and Mizuho Financial advanced between 2% and 3%. 

Japan's Benchmark Indexes Inched Closer to Pre-Persian Gulf War Highs

Akira Ito
15 Apr, 2026
Tokyo

Stock market averages rebounded for the second consecutive session amid hopes for a diplomatic solution to the latest war in the Persian Gulf. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1%, and the broader Topix edged up 0.6%; and the yen hovered at 158.96 against the U.S. dollar.

Investors in Asia and Japan speculated that Iran and the U.S. could resume the second round of talks and avoid prolonging conflict in the Persian Gulf. 

In overnight trading on Wall Street, the S&P 500 Index gained 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2%.

The Brent crude oil prices erased morning losses and advanced 1% to $95.76 a barrel. 

Investors surmised that the Bank of Japan is likely to revise its inflation expectations higher after the policy meeting this month, reflecting a sharp rise in energy prices. 

The yield on five-year Japanese government bonds held firm at 2.405%.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 0.9% to 58,400.76, and the broader Topix advanced 0.6% to 3,776.95. 

Technology and semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo trading on Wednesday. 

Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, SoftBank Group, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 5%. 

Financial stocks edged higher as investors held out that the Bank of Japan is likely to hold rates steady, despite rising inflation expectations. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, and Mizuho Financial advanced between 2% and 3%. 

China and Asia Markets Rebounded as Investors Overlooked Persian Gulf Tensions

Li Chen
15 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong

Investors in China and Asia overlooked ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and crude oil prices hovered at recent levels. 

The Hang Seng Index gained 0.8%, and the CSI 300 Index gained 0.2% amid expectations that U.S.-Iran talks could restart, paving the way for the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In overnight trading on Wall Street, the S&P 500 Index gained 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2%.

Benchmark indexes in Japan advanced 1% and in South Korea soared 2.9%, but fell in India 1%, amid speculation that the U.S.-Iran talks could ease supply disruptions through the key transit waterway.

Closer to home, investors digested the recently announced March's inflation and international trade reports and recalibrated economic growth expectations for 2026. 

The prices of imported energy products and industrial metals jumped in March as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupted global supply routes, leading to increased costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 0.8% to 26,077.12, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched up 0.2% to 4,709.13. 

Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, Baidu Inc., and Meituan gained between 2% and 5%. 

China Vanke, Sun Hung Kai Properties, and Henderson Land Development gained between 0.2% and 2%. 

China Petroleum and Chemical, CNOOC Ltd., and PetroChina declined 2%, reflecting the ongoing volatile conditions in the Persian Gulf.

China and Asia Markets Rebounded as Investors Overlooked Persian Gulf Tensions

Li Chen
15 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong

Investors in China and Asia overlooked ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and crude oil prices hovered at recent levels. 

The Hang Seng Index gained 0.8%, and the CSI 300 Index gained 0.2% amid expectations that U.S.-Iran talks could restart, paving the way for the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In overnight trading on Wall Street, the S&P 500 Index gained 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2%.

Benchmark indexes in Japan advanced 1% and in South Korea soared 2.9%, but fell in India 1%, amid speculation that the U.S.-Iran talks could ease supply disruptions through the key transit waterway.

Closer to home, investors digested the recently announced March's inflation and international trade reports and recalibrated economic growth expectations for 2026. 

The prices of imported energy products and industrial metals jumped in March as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupted global supply routes, leading to increased costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 0.8% to 26,077.12, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched up 0.2% to 4,709.13. 

Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, Baidu Inc., and Meituan gained between 2% and 5%. 

China Vanke, Sun Hung Kai Properties, and Henderson Land Development gained between 0.2% and 2%. 

China Petroleum and Chemical, CNOOC Ltd., and PetroChina declined 2%, reflecting the ongoing volatile conditions in the Persian Gulf.

Wall Steet Indexes Advanced and Three Leading Banks Reported Strong Quarterly Results

Barry Adams
14 Apr, 2026
New York City

Investors in New York and the rest of the world overlooked rising tensions in the Middle East, and crude oil prices edged lower. 

The S&P 500 Index inched higher 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.5% despite the breakdown in talks between the U.S. and Iran. 

The U.S. and Iran traded accusations, and Israel continued its bombing campaign in southern Lebanon and confiscated territory in Syria.

The West Texas Intermediate crude oil price decreased 2.2% to $96.81 a barrel, and the international benchmark Brent crude oil price declined 1% to $98.44 a barrel. 

U.S. Movers 

JPMorgan Chase decreased 0.3% to $313.51 after the financial service provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results, but the company's net interest margin guidance fell short of market expectations. 

Wells Fargo & Company declined 2.2% to $84.71, and the financial services company reported weaker than expected first-quarter revenue of $21.5 billion and earnings per share of $1.60. 

Citigroup Inc. rose 1.2% to $127.80, and the global banking and financial services provider reported first-quarter revenue of $24.6 billion and earnings per share of $3.06. 

Wall Steet Indexes Advanced and Three Leading Banks Reported Strong Quarterly Results

Barry Adams
14 Apr, 2026
New York City

Investors in New York and the rest of the world overlooked rising tensions in the Middle East, and crude oil prices edged lower. 

The S&P 500 Index inched higher 0.3%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.5% despite the breakdown in talks between the U.S. and Iran. 

The U.S. and Iran traded accusations, and Israel continued its bombing campaign in southern Lebanon and confiscated territory in Syria.

The West Texas Intermediate crude oil price decreased 2.2% to $96.81 a barrel, and the international benchmark Brent crude oil price declined 1% to $98.44 a barrel. 

U.S. Movers 

JPMorgan Chase decreased 0.3% to $313.51 after the financial service provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results, but the company's net interest margin guidance fell short of market expectations. 

Wells Fargo & Company declined 2.2% to $84.71, and the financial services company reported weaker than expected first-quarter revenue of $21.5 billion and earnings per share of $1.60. 

Citigroup Inc. rose 1.2% to $127.80, and the global banking and financial services provider reported first-quarter revenue of $24.6 billion and earnings per share of $3.06. 

China's Import Soared and Export Growth Slowed In March

Li Chen
14 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong rebounded amid hopes that US-Iran talks are likely to resume.

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.3%, and the CSI 300 Index gained 0.6%, and Brent crude oil prices decreased 1% to $98.37 a barrel.

Market sentiment in China and Asia recovered amid rising expectations that the U.S. and Iran are likely to resume their second round of talks as early as this weekend. 

Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, signaled willingness for additional peace talks if they complied with international law.

Investors in Japan and South Korea bid up indexes between 2% and 3.5% as the U.S. prepared to block ocean traffic through the Strait of Hormuz linked with ports in Iran.

China's Export Growth Slowed in March

China's export growth slowed sharply in March compared to the January-February period, according to the latest data available from China's General Administration of Customs.

Exports increased 2.5% from a year ago to $321.0 billion, and imports soared 27.8% to $269.9 billion, resulting in a 50% decline to $51.1 billion from $101.9 billion a year ago.

The sharp rise in prices of industrial metals and energy products drove the overall import costs higher.

Fertilizer imports jumped 59%, driven by a 27% rise in volume, while integrated circuit imports advanced 54% in value compared to a 14% rise in volume.

Shipments increased to Japan by 3.3%, to South Korea by 19.6%, to Taiwan by 35.2%, to Australia by 11.9%, to the ASEAN region by 6.9%, and to the European Union by 8.6%, but declined to the U.S. by 26.5%. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.3% to 25,737.16, and the CSI 300 Index advanced 0.6% to 4,673.66.