Finance

Semiconductor stocks extended their record-breaking winning streak to 18 consecutive days, the strongest rally in the sector's history. Intel shares surged over 23%, marking their best single day since 1987, after reporting earnings that cleared high market expectations and providing strong forward guidance.

Economists have raised U.S. inflation forecasts for the second quarter to 3.6% as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East keeps energy costs elevated. While recent optimism regarding peace talks has cooled crude oil prices slightly to around $94 per barrel, markets remain cautious about persistent price pressures on the broader economy.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note finished at 4.31% on April 24, 2026, as investors assessed the likelihood of future interest rate cuts. Despite some resilient economic data, expectations for near-term Federal Reserve easing have faded, with many analysts now anticipating only one rate cut for the remainder of the year.

The Treasury Department frozen approximately $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly tied to Iranian financial lifelines as part of a strategy to increase economic pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the move, which targeted multiple digital wallets to disrupt the movement of funds outside of Iran.

Bitcoin traded near $77,600 on April 24, 2026, showing little change over the prior 24-hour period despite volatility in other asset classes. Market analysts are currently debating whether the digital asset has moved past its recent pullback, with some suggesting that future gains will be increasingly driven by nation-state adoption.