Finance

Global crude benchmarks remained elevated despite the ceasefire extension, with Brent crude trading near $98 per barrel. While the halt in active hostilities provided some relief, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the maintenance of a naval blockade on Iranian ports keep supply concerns and energy market volatility at the forefront of investor concerns.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note climbed toward 4.3% as investors processed stronger-than-expected retail sales data and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Long-term rates continue to face upward pressure due to a firm term premium and consistent Treasury supply, while the Federal Reserve is broadly expected to maintain steady interest rates at its upcoming April meeting.

First-quarter earnings reports are highlighting sector-specific impacts of current geopolitical tensions, with GE Aerospace reporting surging orders and revenue driven by munitions demand. Market attention is shifting toward upcoming mega-cap reports, including Tesla and ServiceNow, as the broader S&P 500 index aims for its sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth.

Bitcoin and the broader digital asset market have experienced a turbulent start to 2026, with Bitcoin down nearly 20% year-to-date despite occasional short-term rallies. Analysts note an increasingly strong correlation between cryptocurrencies and traditional macro assets like the S&P 500 and Gold, suggesting that digital asset performance is being heavily dictated by central bank policies and global stability.