Finance

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced he will step down in September, naming John Ternus as his successor. Meanwhile, the technology sector remains a primary market driver, with Intel leading a semiconductor rally that helped push the Nasdaq to record levels despite broader market fluctuations.

The U.S. annual inflation rate jumped to 3.3% in March 2026, primarily due to higher energy costs and gasoline prices climbing above $4 per gallon. While core inflation remained more stable at 2.7%, the surge in headline figures has complicated the Federal Reserve's path toward potential interest rate cuts.

Bitcoin rose approximately 13% in April, trading near $77,500 after a period of prolonged monthly declines. While the cryptocurrency has shown resilience and a return to bullish technical regimes, recent trading sessions have seen a slight decline in open interest as investors weigh geopolitical developments.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note held steady near 4.31% as markets reacted to the nomination of Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chair. Warsh's testimony before the Senate emphasized a preference for a more streamlined Fed balance sheet that avoids holding long-term Treasury assets.

U.S. consumer sentiment plummeted to record lows in April as households faced rising expectations for year-ahead inflation. Economic analysts noted that while the underlying economy remains resilient, persistent trade tariffs and high transportation costs continue to weigh heavily on middle-income household confidence.