Finance

Intel witnessed its best trading day since 1987, with shares soaring nearly 24% after the company reported quarterly profits that significantly exceeded analyst expectations. This breakout performance helped ignite a broader 18-day winning streak for the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index and pushed Nvidia's market capitalization back above the $5 trillion mark.

U.S. Treasury yields ended the week higher, with the 10-year note finishing near 4.31% as investors monitored ongoing friction between the U.S. and Iran. Despite recent developments in the Federal Reserve leadership transition, market participants remain cautious about inflationary pressures stemming from persistent energy shocks and a resilient domestic economy.

Bitcoin traded near $77,608 in late April, maintaining a steady pattern of higher highs even as broader crypto market sentiment dipped into 'Fear' territory. The asset is currently on track to secure its strongest April performance since 2020, driven by a ten-session bullish correction phase and increasing volatility.

Gold prices are set for a weekly loss of approximately 2%, as a 17% surge in Brent crude oil prices fueled concerns that the Federal Reserve will maintain elevated interest rates. Although gold is often used as an inflation hedge, its appeal has been dampened by rising Treasury yields and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The AI-driven demand for electrification sparked a historic milestone in the energy sector as X-energy began trading following the largest nuclear public offering on record. The company raised over $1 billion, with shares opening well above the initial target range, reflecting intense investor interest in alternative energy infrastructure.