Finance

Shares of Intel soared roughly 24% on Friday, marking the company's best single-day performance since 1987. The surge followed a first-quarter earnings report that shattered analyst expectations and provided a bullish outlook for AI-driven hardware demand.

While tech stocks rallied, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16% as geopolitical uncertainty involving Iran weighed on cyclical sectors. Ongoing concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz and a naval blockade have kept oil prices elevated, impacting broader market sentiment.

The 10-year Treasury yield finished the week near 4.31%, reflecting a slight dip as traders evaluated potential shifts in Federal Reserve leadership. Sentiment improved following reports that the Department of Justice ended its investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell, potentially clearing a path for future interest rate discussions.

Bitcoin traded near $77,600 on April 25, 2026, putting it on track for its strongest monthly close in over a year after rising roughly 13% in April. While general investor sentiment remains wary due to macroeconomic factors, technical indicators suggest a steady pattern of higher highs and sustained accumulation.

Recent polls indicate that approximately 73% of Americans believe the national economy is worsening, largely due to high gas prices and inflation hitting a projected 3.3% in March. Despite record stock market performance, many households remain cautious about new investments as the cost of living remains elevated.