Finance

Mega-cap technology stocks showed varied performance as Alphabet shares climbed 9% on upbeat results, while Meta Platforms slumped roughly 9% due to concerns over high capital expenditures. Microsoft also experienced a decline of 5% as investors reacted to a significant increase in artificial intelligence spending forecasts.

Following yesterday's decision to hold interest rates steady between 3.5% and 3.75%, the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish tone due to rising energy-driven inflation. Geopolitical tensions, including a potential blockade of Iran, have pushed Brent crude oil prices toward $120 per barrel, impacting long-term bond yields which hover near 4.40%.

Bitcoin is trading near $75,800 on April 30, 2026, as the market enters a consolidation phase following a failed attempt to hold the $80,000 level. Despite short-term price pressure, institutional demand remains strong with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recording a record $2.44 billion in net inflows for the month of April.