Key Highlights
- Major indexes extended their rally, with the Nasdaq leading gains at 4.7%, followed by the S&P 500 at 3.5% and the Dow at 3%
- Financial giants including JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America set to release quarterly results
- Inflation data for March revealed the steepest single-month jump since mid-2022, primarily energy-driven
- Crude oil trading near $98 per barrel, though futures contracts point to potential decline toward $85 by summer
- Technology sector showing dramatic divergence: software names plunging 30% while chip makers soar over 20% in 2026
Equity markets concluded another positive week as traders shifted focus toward the beginning of quarterly reporting season. The tech-heavy Nasdaq posted the strongest performance at 4.7%, while the S&P 500 advanced 3.5% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 3%. Despite remaining in negative territory for the year, all three benchmarks now sit less than 1% away from positive performance.
The upcoming trading period features an intensive earnings calendar. Goldman Sachs kicks things off on Monday. Tuesday brings reports from JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. Bank of America and Morgan Stanley are scheduled for Wednesday, while Netflix and Taiwan Semiconductor round out the week on Thursday.
Geopolitical matters remain front and center for market participants. Diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran held in Pakistan over the weekend concluded without a peace agreement after Iranian officials declined to commit to halting nuclear weapon development, Vice President JD Vance disclosed Saturday evening.
Crude Oil Prices Remain Critical Market Driver
Following the outbreak of hostilities between the US and Iran, petroleum prices have emerged as the predominant market indicator. West Texas Intermediate crude settled Friday’s session around $98 per barrel, representing a substantial increase from approximately $68 before military tensions escalated.
Neverthstanding current spot prices, July delivery contracts are pricing oil substantially lower near $85. Evercore ISI’s Julian Emanuel indicated that WTI trading in the “low-to-mid $80s” range would sufficiently eliminate downward pressure on equities.
The two-week ceasefire agreement involving the United States, Israel, and Iran provided support to financial markets during the past week. The durability of this truce will significantly influence petroleum costs and, consequently, broader market direction.
Friday’s consumer price data revealed headline inflation accelerated 0.9% during March, marking the most significant monthly advance since June 2022. Economic analysts attributed the majority of this increase to energy cost escalation stemming from the international conflict.
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment gauge dropped to an all-time low in April, although 98% of survey responses were gathered prior to the ceasefire announcement.
Technology Sector Shows Stark Performance Divide
The performance gap within equity markets has expanded considerably. The iShares Software Sector ETF declined more than 7% during the past week and has now fallen 30% year-to-date.
Salesforce represents the largest detractor, tumbling over 35% in 2026. AppLovin, Intuit, and ServiceNow have each retreated more than 40%. Microsoft, Palantir, and Oracle have all declined in excess of 25%.
Chip manufacturers present a contrasting narrative. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF has advanced more than 20% during 2026. Intel, Applied Materials, Lam Research, and Marvell Technologies have each gained upward of 50%.
ASML is scheduled to release results on Wednesday, with Taiwan Semiconductor following on Thursday. Taiwan Semiconductor previously disclosed robust March revenue figures, indicating sustained demand for artificial intelligence processors.
Netflix is also slated to report Thursday, concluding an event-filled week for corporate earnings.
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