Finance

Apple shares rose over 3% in premarket trading following a strong sales forecast for the iPhone 17 and MacBook Neo, while Alphabet also posted significant gains after impressive cloud revenue growth. In contrast, companies like Meta and Microsoft faced pressure as investors questioned the high capital expenditure required for artificial intelligence infrastructure without immediate returns.

Oil prices hit a four-year high with Brent crude reaching $126 a barrel before retreating toward the end of April as investors monitored the ongoing naval blockade and conflict with Iran. Rising gasoline prices, which surpassed $4 per gallon, have contributed to a projected jump in the annual inflation rate to 3.3%, its highest level since 2024.

The U.S. economy expanded at a 2% annualized rate in the first quarter of 2026, while jobless claims fell to their lowest level since 1969, reflecting a highly resilient labor market. These strong economic indicators, combined with accelerating core inflation, are leading many analysts to anticipate a more hawkish Federal Reserve stance rather than the rate cuts previously expected this year.