The S&P 500 mostly consolidated during the week, coming off 3 major green weeks in a row. All eyes are on the FOMC announcement during the coming week.
Stocks
The markets opened on Monday to a very different tone from the prior week's euphoric push to new all-time highs. New doubts appeared over whether the ceasefire regarding the conflict in Iran would hold. Stocks fell on the new uncertainty, though some sectors, including software, still managed to post gains. On Tuesday, the pervading uncertainty grew as stock prices retreated again. But on Wednesday, news that the White House was extending the ceasefire pushed stocks back toward the all-time high made the previous Friday. Chip stocks benefited during the rally. Thursday brought a more volatile session, with stocks dipping toward Tuesday's lows before bouncing as the market digested new worries regarding escalation in the Middle East. Software stocks were among the weakest performers on the day. Ultimately, however, the market was able to rebound and make a new all-time high on Friday, buoyed by a strong earnings report from Intel (
Bonds
US Treasury yields rose early in the week as new uncertainties regarding the conflict in Iran rippled through the markets. Investors also digested quotes from the confirmation hearing for the current nominee for Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, who many believe leans hawkish with respect to Fed policy. Tuesday's stronger-than-expected retail sales data also helped push rates higher, though ultimately both the 10-year and 30-year closed the week within their prior week's range.
Oil
After plunging the week prior, oil prices jumped again early in the week as new uncertainties regarding the conflict in Iran triggered a 180-degree reversal in sentiment. Brent oil prices once again approached the $100 per barrel mark on Tuesday, then crossed above on Thursday. West Texas Intermediate futures briefly broke above $94. However, both pulled back on Friday on new hopes that peace talks in the Middle East would resume. Overall, concerns about escalation regarding the conflict in Iran weighed on market sentiment.
Gold
Gold prices fell early in the week as investors digested news regarding the conflict in Iran, as well as comments from the confirmation hearing for the current nominee for Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh. Despite the headline-driven news, gold nevertheless spent the week trading quietly within its prior week's range. Overall, the metal is coming off 4 straight weeks in the green as it attempts to rebound from a dip to just below $4,100 in late March.
Crypto
After making a strong push higher and breaking above its March range high the week prior, bitcoin looked shaky to begin the week as price action from over the weekend pushed it back into the March range. It broke back above the range again on Wednesday, trading just below the $79,500 mark before pulling back on Thursday and Friday. As of Friday's stock market close, the cryptocurrency is now trading back above its April 2025 lows, as investors watch to see if it can reclaim $80,000.
| Past week | Year-to-date | 5-year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 0.6% | 4.4% | 71.3% |
| Oil (WTI crude) | 8.8% | 65.9% | 49.6% |
| Gold (New York) | –1.5% | –1.5% | 167.8% |
| Bitcoin | 4.8% | –12.5% | 58.4% |
Source: Yahoo Finance, as of April 24, 2026.
KEY DATA FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 27
Another pivotal FOMC announcement will take place on Wednesday. Earnings season continues with reports from Magnificent 7 companies.
| Visa ( |
Consumer confidence – Tuesday |
| Coca-Cola ( |
Durable goods orders – Wednesday |
| Alphabet ( |
FOMC announcement – Wednesday |
| Microsoft ( |
Housing starts and permits – Wednesday |
| Amazon ( |
GDP – Thursday |
| Apple ( |
ISM manufacturing index – Friday |
| See the full earnings calendar (login required). | See the full economic calendar. |
Source: Fidelity.com, as of April 24, 2026.