Finance

Shares of Intel skyrocketed nearly 24% on Friday, marking its best single-day performance in decades after the company reported better-than-expected earnings and a strong outlook for AI-driven demand. This gain boosted other chipmakers, with AMD rising 14% as analysts adjusted revenue expectations for the broader industry.

Investors showed increased optimism following reports that Iranian officials may engage in mediated discussions regarding potential negotiations with the United States. This news contributed to a decline in U.S. crude oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate futures settling down roughly 1.5% as supply concerns temporarily eased.

Bitcoin remained steady near the $78,100 mark as volatility cooled following a week of geopolitical uncertainty. Ethereum saw a slight decline of approximately 1.9%, with digital asset investors maintaining a cautious stance while monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

The first-quarter earnings season is currently projected to show double-digit growth for the sixth consecutive quarter, with over 80% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeding revenue estimates. While information technology and financials lead the gains, energy and healthcare sectors continue to face year-over-year declines.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note finished the week at 4.31%, reflecting a market in wait-and-see mode ahead of upcoming central bank policy decisions. This stability occurs as the Department of Justice ended its investigation into the Federal Reserve, clearing a path for the potential transition of leadership from current Chairman Jerome Powell.