During the week of April 13–17, 2026, U.S. equity and fixed income markets staged a strong rally, fully reversing the war-induced correction of March and pushing major indices to new all-time highs. Markets were optimistic about a potential de-escalation of the US-Iran conflict, robust early bank earnings, and a steady stream of positive AI developments. Major indices achieved a V-shaped recovery, with the S&P 500 rising approximately 4.5% on the week to breach 7,000 for the first time. Nasdaq and the Russell 2000 also traded strong, +6/+7%. U.S. Treasury yields fell 5–10 bps as geopolitical tensions subsided, and corporate credit spreads tightened as risk sentiment improved broadly.
The primary driver was the market's confidence in the durability of the ceasefire, with Trump stating the conflict was "very close to over," despite a brief early-week blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Q1 earnings kicked off on a strong note, particularly in the banking sector — JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs — providing a further boost to sentiment. AI remained a powerful structural narrative, with projections pointing to a strong growth in chip sales in 2026. Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs attracted strong inflows, and precious metals maintained upward momentum amid still-elevated, though retreating, risk premiums.
Over the weekend, markets continued to digest the ceasefire agreement, as fresh reports of renewed turbulence in the Middle East cast doubt on the prospects of a lasting peace, sending U.S. stocks lower while oil prices moved higher. The S&P 500 was on track to open lower following its succession of record highs, with European equities also trading in negative territory, serving as a reminder that geopolitical risks have not yet fully faded.
