Stocks Mixed Amid Ceasefire:
Stocks were mixed last week as investors monitored the ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East and considered the potential outcomes of the conflict.
The S&P 500 Index rose 0.55%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50%. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.44%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 2.75%.1,2
Source: Bloomberg Finance, L.P. (Performance data normalized 04/17/26 = 0)
Mixed Markets As Investors Look Ahead
Stocks began the week lower after tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend. They remained under pressure through Tuesday’s close as Wednesday’s expiration of the ceasefire loomed.3
Markets opened higher on Wednesday as investors cheered a ceasefire extension, while solid Q1 corporate earnings results boosted market momentum. Oil prices rose above $100/barrel, and all three major stock averages closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq logging new all-time highs.4
The S&P and Nasdaq recovered from a slump in software stocks, while higher oil prices put stocks under pressure, logging fresh intraday highs along the way. Investors appeared increasingly desensitized to the Middle East conflict.5,6
Sources: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Charles Schwab
Consumer Paradox
Fresh news on Friday showed consumer sentiment slipped to an all-time low in April. Consumers may be thinking about inflation, the job market, and geopolitical tensions.7
However, the paradox is that consumers keep spending. Last Tuesday’s retail sales report showed consumer spending rose 1.7% in March, the highest monthly rise in more than 3 years.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Source: EarningsWhispers
Author
Gary Aiken
Chief Investment Officer
Concord Asset Management
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Footnotes and Sources
1WSJ.com, April 17, 2026
2Investing.com, April 24, 2026
3CNBC.com, April 21, 2026
4CNBC.com, April 22, 2026
5CNBC.com, April 23, 2026
6WSJ.com, April 24, 2026
7CNBC.com, April 24, 2026
8WSJ.com, April 21, 2026
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