Market Update
U.S. Stocks Power Ahead Overlooking Brewing Tensions in the Middle East
Barry Adams
22 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks in New York advanced, and investors overlooked escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The S&P 500 Index edged up 0.5%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7% as investors remained focused on the latest flow of quarterly results.
Crude oil prices rose 1% to $90.53 a barrel amid growing speculation in the Middle East that the U.S. is amassing naval assets in the Persian Gulf under the pretext of ceasefire negotiations.
Oil traders in London and Abu Dhabi are speculating a surge in price of more than 50% in the event the U.S. carries out the widely anticipated ground invasion.
U.S. Movers
General Electric declined 5% to $286.73 despite the aerospace company reporting strong sales in the first quarter.
Revenue increased 25% to $12.3 billion from $9.9 billion, net income decreased to $2.19 billion from $2.24 billion, and diluted earnings per share were unchanged at $1.83.
The aerospace company held out for 2026 diluted earnings to range between $7.10 and $7.40 and cash flow to fall between $8.0 billion and $8.8 billion.
Best Buy Company declined 4.2% to $63.85, and the company named an insider, Jason Bonfig, as the next chief executive, replacing Corie Barry in late October.
U.S. Stocks Power Ahead Overlooking Brewing Tensions in the Middle East
Barry Adams
22 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks in New York advanced, and investors overlooked escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The S&P 500 Index edged up 0.5%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7% as investors remained focused on the latest flow of quarterly results.
Crude oil prices rose 1% to $90.53 a barrel amid growing speculation in the Middle East that the U.S. is amassing naval assets in the Persian Gulf under the pretext of ceasefire negotiations.
Oil traders in London and Abu Dhabi are speculating a surge in price of more than 50% in the event the U.S. carries out the widely anticipated ground invasion.
U.S. Movers
General Electric declined 5% to $286.73 despite the aerospace company reporting strong sales in the first quarter.
Revenue increased 25% to $12.3 billion from $9.9 billion, net income decreased to $2.19 billion from $2.24 billion, and diluted earnings per share were unchanged at $1.83.
The aerospace company held out for 2026 diluted earnings to range between $7.10 and $7.40 and cash flow to fall between $8.0 billion and $8.8 billion.
Best Buy Company declined 4.2% to $63.85, and the company named an insider, Jason Bonfig, as the next chief executive, replacing Corie Barry in late October.
China and Hong Kong Stocks Under Pressure Amid Hormuz Uncertainty
Li Chen
22 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong struggled as the U.S. and Iran talks ended with no visible progress.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.4% amid diplomatic uncertainty in the Persian Gulf.
Market sentiment in China and Asia soured following the lack of progress in normalizing crude oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude oil prices struggled around $98.43 a barrel amid lingering uncertainty and rising prospects of violence in the Persian Gulf.
Despite claims by the U.S. president, shipments through the critical waterway remain depressed, and Iran and the U.S. claim to continue their blockades in the region, which has kept elevated overall global energy prices.
China Stocks and Movers
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.4% to 26,140.27, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.3% to 4,782.18.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu Inc. dropped between 3% and 5%.
CNOOC, PetroChina, and Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical fell between 1% and 2%.
China and Hong Kong Stocks Under Pressure Amid Hormuz Uncertainty
Li Chen
22 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong struggled as the U.S. and Iran talks ended with no visible progress.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.4% amid diplomatic uncertainty in the Persian Gulf.
Market sentiment in China and Asia soured following the lack of progress in normalizing crude oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude oil prices struggled around $98.43 a barrel amid lingering uncertainty and rising prospects of violence in the Persian Gulf.
Despite claims by the U.S. president, shipments through the critical waterway remain depressed, and Iran and the U.S. claim to continue their blockades in the region, which has kept elevated overall global energy prices.
China Stocks and Movers
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.4% to 26,140.27, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.3% to 4,782.18.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu Inc. dropped between 3% and 5%.
CNOOC, PetroChina, and Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical fell between 1% and 2%.
U.S. Stocks Lacked Direction, Investors Reacted to Quarterly Results
Barry Adams
21 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street reversed losses from the previous session as investors overlooked escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 Index increased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.3% as investors shifted their focus to quarterly results.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated after the U.S. captured an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, and Iran reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The dual blockade in the critical waterway in the Persian Gulf has disrupted the supply of energy products to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and other nations in Asia.
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil edged down 0.9% to $86.67, and international Brent crude eased 0.8% to $94.71.
Crude oil prices remained volatile amid lingering uncertainty over the shipment of one-fifth of the world's global supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Movers
UnitedHealth Group soared 6% to $342.50 after the medical insurance service provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results.
UnitedHealth said revenue increased to $111.7 billion from $109.6 billion, net income edged lower to $6.28 billion from $6.29 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $6.90 from $6.85 a year ago.
The closely watched medical benefit ratio, a measure of total medical expenses paid compared to premiums collected, improved to 83.9% from 84.8% a year ago.
Investors are awaiting results from several leading corporations, including GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Danaher, 3M, and Haliburton.
U.S. Stocks Lacked Direction, Investors Reacted to Quarterly Results
Barry Adams
21 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street reversed losses from the previous session as investors overlooked escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 Index increased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.3% as investors shifted their focus to quarterly results.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated after the U.S. captured an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, and Iran reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The dual blockade in the critical waterway in the Persian Gulf has disrupted the supply of energy products to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and other nations in Asia.
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil edged down 0.9% to $86.67, and international Brent crude eased 0.8% to $94.71.
Crude oil prices remained volatile amid lingering uncertainty over the shipment of one-fifth of the world's global supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Movers
UnitedHealth Group soared 6% to $342.50 after the medical insurance service provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter results.
UnitedHealth said revenue increased to $111.7 billion from $109.6 billion, net income edged lower to $6.28 billion from $6.29 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $6.90 from $6.85 a year ago.
The closely watched medical benefit ratio, a measure of total medical expenses paid compared to premiums collected, improved to 83.9% from 84.8% a year ago.
Investors are awaiting results from several leading corporations, including GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Danaher, 3M, and Haliburton.
Renewed Hostilities in the Persian Gulf Dragged Down Stocks, Bonds, and Crude Oil
Barry Adams
20 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street faced renewed headwinds in Monday's trading after tensions in the Middle East escalated.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.6% amid renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
The West Intermediate Texas crude oil price jumped by 6% to $89.00 a barrel after the U.S. seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz and prolonged the disruption of traffic.
Despite the lingering hostilities in the Middle East, stock market indexes around the world advanced for the third week in a row and extended the rebound to more than 10% at the end of last week.
The Nasdaq Composite increased 7% and the S&P 500 index advanced 5%, and benchmark indexes in Europe jumped around 4% after choppy trading last week.
The U.S.-Iran war, started by Israel, has disrupted the supply of LNG and crude oil to Asia and inflicted severe damage to industries in India, Japan, and South Korea.
In addition, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in Asia after China curtailed shipment of refined energy products.
Moreover, advanced semiconductor makers in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea are experiencing shortages of industrial gases, forcing producers to curtail memory module production.
The bond market showed little reaction to renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf, and the yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged up slightly to 4.26%.
U.S. Movers
Airlines and oil producers charted different courses after crude oil prices soared more than 5% in New York and London trading.
Delta Air Lines, United Air, American Airlines, and Jet Blue Airways decreased 3%.
Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips advanced between 1% and 2% in Monday's trading in New York.
Renewed Hostilities in the Persian Gulf Dragged Down Stocks, Bonds, and Crude Oil
Barry Adams
20 Apr, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street faced renewed headwinds in Monday's trading after tensions in the Middle East escalated.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.6% amid renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
The West Intermediate Texas crude oil price jumped by 6% to $89.00 a barrel after the U.S. seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz and prolonged the disruption of traffic.
Despite the lingering hostilities in the Middle East, stock market indexes around the world advanced for the third week in a row and extended the rebound to more than 10% at the end of last week.
The Nasdaq Composite increased 7% and the S&P 500 index advanced 5%, and benchmark indexes in Europe jumped around 4% after choppy trading last week.
The U.S.-Iran war, started by Israel, has disrupted the supply of LNG and crude oil to Asia and inflicted severe damage to industries in India, Japan, and South Korea.
In addition, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in Asia after China curtailed shipment of refined energy products.
Moreover, advanced semiconductor makers in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea are experiencing shortages of industrial gases, forcing producers to curtail memory module production.
The bond market showed little reaction to renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf, and the yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged up slightly to 4.26%.
U.S. Movers
Airlines and oil producers charted different courses after crude oil prices soared more than 5% in New York and London trading.
Delta Air Lines, United Air, American Airlines, and Jet Blue Airways decreased 3%.
Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips advanced between 1% and 2% in Monday's trading in New York.
Japan's Indexes Traded Higher Amid Escalating Tensions in the Persian Gulf
Akira Ito
20 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes advanced on Monday, and investors overlooked rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced about 1%, and the broader Topix gained 0.6%, and the Japanese yen hovered at 159.46 against the U.S. dollar.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated after the U.S. Navy captured an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman and continued its blockade of Iran's ports.
Meanwhile, Iran reasserted its sovereignty on the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital waterway for global oil shipments, prolonging the energy supply shock and keeping crude oil and energy prices higher.
The Brent crude oil price increased 6% to $95.37 a barrel, reflecting worries that shipments through the critical waterways may not be restored to normal levels in the immediate future.
Since the start of war at the end of February, international crude oil prices have soared more than 60%, jet fuel prices have doubled, and food prices have jumped more than 20% in Japan.
Moreover, prices of imported fertilizers and industrial gases have jumped because of the disruption of supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.8% to 58,965.20, and the broader Topix index edged higher 0.6% to 3,782.66.
AI-driven and semiconductor equipment makers led the gainers in Tokyo.
SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp, and Lasertec advanced between 3% and 5%.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha fell between 1% and 4%.
Japan's Indexes Traded Higher Amid Escalating Tensions in the Persian Gulf
Akira Ito
20 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes advanced on Monday, and investors overlooked rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced about 1%, and the broader Topix gained 0.6%, and the Japanese yen hovered at 159.46 against the U.S. dollar.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated after the U.S. Navy captured an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman and continued its blockade of Iran's ports.
Meanwhile, Iran reasserted its sovereignty on the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital waterway for global oil shipments, prolonging the energy supply shock and keeping crude oil and energy prices higher.
The Brent crude oil price increased 6% to $95.37 a barrel, reflecting worries that shipments through the critical waterways may not be restored to normal levels in the immediate future.
Since the start of war at the end of February, international crude oil prices have soared more than 60%, jet fuel prices have doubled, and food prices have jumped more than 20% in Japan.
Moreover, prices of imported fertilizers and industrial gases have jumped because of the disruption of supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.8% to 58,965.20, and the broader Topix index edged higher 0.6% to 3,782.66.
AI-driven and semiconductor equipment makers led the gainers in Tokyo.
SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp, and Lasertec advanced between 3% and 5%.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha fell between 1% and 4%.
PBoC Held Benchmark Rates Steady, Stocks Advanced In Shanghai and HK
Li Chen
20 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Benchmark indexes in China and Asia advanced, and investors overlooked rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The Hang Seng Index advanced nearly 1%, the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.5%, and the international crude oil price edged higher by 5% to $95.31 a barrel.
Stocks advanced in Monday's trading, extending the previous two consecutive weeks' gains amid optimism that energy product flows through the Strait of Hormuz will normalize soon.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East rose after the U.S. captured an Iranian-flagged vessel over the weekend.
Closer to home, the People's Bank of China held its benchmark lending rates at record lows for the 11th month in a row.
The one-year loan prime rate, the benchmark for residential and commercial lending, was held at 3.0%, while the five-year rate, used for mortgage lending, was held at 3.5%.
China's economy expanded at 5.0% in the first quarter, ahead of the annual target rate of 4.5% set by policymakers, supported by the sustained rise in exports.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.8% to 26,376.98, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.5% to 4,754.38.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu advanced between 1% and 3%.
CNOOC Limited, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemicals, and PetroChina decreased between 2% and 3%.
PBoC Held Benchmark Rates Steady, Stocks Advanced In Shanghai and HK
Li Chen
20 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Benchmark indexes in China and Asia advanced, and investors overlooked rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The Hang Seng Index advanced nearly 1%, the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.5%, and the international crude oil price edged higher by 5% to $95.31 a barrel.
Stocks advanced in Monday's trading, extending the previous two consecutive weeks' gains amid optimism that energy product flows through the Strait of Hormuz will normalize soon.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East rose after the U.S. captured an Iranian-flagged vessel over the weekend.
Closer to home, the People's Bank of China held its benchmark lending rates at record lows for the 11th month in a row.
The one-year loan prime rate, the benchmark for residential and commercial lending, was held at 3.0%, while the five-year rate, used for mortgage lending, was held at 3.5%.
China's economy expanded at 5.0% in the first quarter, ahead of the annual target rate of 4.5% set by policymakers, supported by the sustained rise in exports.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.8% to 26,376.98, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.5% to 4,754.38.
Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu advanced between 1% and 3%.
CNOOC Limited, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemicals, and PetroChina decreased between 2% and 3%.
China's Indexes Extended Gains for Second Consecutive Week, CATL In Focus
Li Chen
17 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong decreased as investors await the progress on U.S.-Iran talks.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.3%, and the CSI 300 Index inched lower by 0.1% amid lingering uncertainties over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index advanced by 1.4% and the CSI 300 Index gained 2.5%, extending their gains for the second consecutive week.
Despite optimism over the resumption of the flow of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz, the critical passageway for about one fifth of global oil supply remains effectively closed under a dual blockade.
Regional analysts are estimating that restoring normal shipments could take as long as two years.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.3% to 26,059.34, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.1% to 4,730.98.
Sigenergy dropped 7.9% to HK $607.50, and the Shanghai-based solar power systems maker completed its initial public offering and listed its share on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Thursday.
Alibaba Group edged up 0.6%, Tencent Holdings decreased 1.8%, and Baidu Inc. fell 1.8%.
Zhongji Innolight advanced 5.2% and Foxconn Industrial added 2.9%, outperforming, while Kweichow Moutai decreased 3.6% and Contemporary Amperex eased 2.2%.