Finance

Intel Corporation saw its best single-day performance since 1987, with shares soaring 23.6% following a quarterly profit report that exceeded analyst expectations. The rally was fueled by strong guidance regarding AI-driven demand, pushing the company's valuation to record levels and lifting the broader semiconductor industry.

U.S. Treasury yields ended the week higher as investors monitored ongoing naval blockades in the Middle East and a looming leadership transition at the Federal Reserve. The 10-year yield finished at 4.31%, up from 4.24% the previous week, reflecting persistent concerns that energy price shocks could impact long-term inflation.

The cryptocurrency market remained cautious, with Bitcoin trading in a tight range around $78,100 on Friday. While the digital asset has outperformed gold over the last three weeks, cooling momentum in derivatives suggests a more neutral stance as traders weigh geopolitical disruptions and shifting central bank expectations.

Oil prices continued their volatile upward trend, with Brent crude trading near $106 per barrel, representing a significant year-over-year increase of nearly 60%. This surge has propelled traditional energy indices, with some sector-focused funds rising more than 30% year-to-date amid supply chain risks and military tensions.

Financial markets are increasingly pricing in a "higher-for-longer" interest rate environment as persistent inflation complicates the Federal Reserve's path to potential cuts. While some brokerages still forecast two reductions in 2026, many analysts now expect the central bank to hold rates steady at its upcoming April meeting due to resilient economic data and high energy costs.