Finance

Shares of Intel skyrocketed 23.6% on April 24, marking the company's best single-day performance since 1987 after a blowout quarterly profit report. This rally, fueled by strong demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure, contributed to an 18-day winning streak for the broader semiconductor index and boosted other major chipmakers like AMD.

The cryptocurrency market showed resilience as Bitcoin traded near the $78,000 mark in late April 2026, supported by consistent spot ETF inflows and expanding institutional adoption. Ethereum also demonstrated stability, holding above $2,300, as investors responded to easing macroeconomic concerns and a shift toward digital assets as recognized institutional infrastructure.

New data released on April 24, 2026, revealed a sharp decline in Michigan Consumer Sentiment to 47.6, falling short of analyst expectations. This decline, coupled with a jump in one-year inflation expectations to 4.8%, has led to increased market speculation that the Federal Reserve will maintain high interest rates for a longer duration to combat persistent price pressures.

Oil prices remained volatile as investors monitored ongoing diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran, with Brent benchmark prices reaching approximately $106 per barrel. While market participants expressed hope for progress in peace negotiations, the continued elevation of energy costs remains a primary concern for broader economic activity and consumer spending.