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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.

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.

China Markets TUESDAY

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.

Japan's Producer Price Inflation Accelerated In March, Fast Retailing Soared to a New High

Akira Ito
10 Apr, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's indexes soared on Friday and extended weekly gains amid optimism over a cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased nearly 2%, the broader Topix was nearly unchanged, and the yen edged up to 159.26 against the U.S. dollar.

For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 7%, and the Topix gained 2.5%.

Investors looked ahead to diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, and tensions rose after Israel continued its bombing strikes in southern Lebanon.

On the economic front, Japan's producer price inflation quickened in March, driven by the rise in imported energy prices.

The Producer Price Index rose 2.6% from a year ago in March, accelerating from the marginally revised 2.1% rise in the previous month, according to data released by the Bank of Japan.

The measure of wholesale inflation rose at the fastest pace since November amid elevated cost pressures, confirming early signs of the impact of the Iran war.

Japan Indexes and Stocks

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.8% to 56,898.57, and the broader Topix decreased 0.1% to 3,739.44.

Fast Retailing soared 12% to ¥75,540.00 after the parent company of Uniqlo lifted its outlook for its annual operating profit, driven by strong momentum outside its core markets in Japan and China.

Fast Retailing lifted its operating income to 700 billion yen, or $4.4 billion, for the fiscal year ending in August, up from a prior forecast of 650 billion yen.

The retailer confirmed that it expects no impact on its production and logistics in its fiscal 2026 from the war in the Middle East.

Japan's Producer Price Inflation Accelerated In March, Fast Retailing Soared to a New High

Akira Ito
10 Apr, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's indexes soared on Friday and extended weekly gains amid optimism over a cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased nearly 2%, the broader Topix was nearly unchanged, and the yen edged up to 159.26 against the U.S. dollar.

For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 7%, and the Topix gained 2.5%.

Investors looked ahead to diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, and tensions rose after Israel continued its bombing strikes in southern Lebanon.

On the economic front, Japan's producer price inflation quickened in March, driven by the rise in imported energy prices.

The Producer Price Index rose 2.6% from a year ago in March, accelerating from the marginally revised 2.1% rise in the previous month, according to data released by the Bank of Japan.

The measure of wholesale inflation rose at the fastest pace since November amid elevated cost pressures, confirming early signs of the impact of the Iran war.

Japan Indexes and Stocks

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.8% to 56,898.57, and the broader Topix decreased 0.1% to 3,739.44.

Fast Retailing soared 12% to ¥75,540.00 after the parent company of Uniqlo lifted its outlook for its annual operating profit, driven by strong momentum outside its core markets in Japan and China.

Fast Retailing lifted its operating income to 700 billion yen, or $4.4 billion, for the fiscal year ending in August, up from a prior forecast of 650 billion yen.

The retailer confirmed that it expects no impact on its production and logistics in its fiscal 2026 from the war in the Middle East.

China's Producer Prices Turned Positive In Three Years as Iran War Fans Inflationary Forces

Li Chen
10 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in China rebounded amid improving expectations following the release of inflation reports.

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained more than 1%.

China's consumer price index advanced 1% from a year ago in March, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The core rate of inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased by 1.1% compared to a year ago; food prices rose by 0.3%, consumer goods prices advanced by 1.3%, and service prices edged up by 0.8%.

The persistent weak consumer demand kept inflation in check.

However, producer prices rose at a faster pace in March, and the inflation rate turned positive for the first time in 41 months.

The Producer Price Index advanced 0.5% from a year ago in an early sign that the Persian Gulf War is starting to impact producers around the world.

Factory-gate prices rose for the first time in more than three years as the higher crude oil and natural gas prices began to ripple through the economy.

China Indexes and Stocks

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6% to 25,910.07, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1.2% to 4,620.14.

Alibaba Group, Tencent Entertainment, and Baidu Inc. advanced between 2% and 4%.

BYD, Xpeng, and Geely Automobile are between 1% and 3%.