U.S. Stock Market Today: US equities turned positive by midday on Thursday, building on Wednesday’s massive rally, as investors looked past a fresh spike in crude oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose over 250 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite gained more than 0.5%. Markets initially opened lower on reports that Iranian forces may have mined the Strait of Hormuz, but midday optimism that a diplomatic solution remains possible helped stocks regain their footing. This resilience, despite oil jumping back above $100 per barrel, signals that traders are betting the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran will hold.
U.S. Market Snapshot
| Index | Closing Value | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones | 48,172.88 | +262.96 | +0.55% |
| Nasdaq | 22,801.60 | +166.61 | +0.74% |
| S&P 500 | 6,823.36 | +40.55 | +0.60% |
| NYSE Composite | 22,864.59 | +66.54 | +0.29% |
Dow Jones
The Dow rose 263 points to 48,172.88, recovering from a cautious start. Industrials and financials led the gains, with Intel surging over 11% as semiconductor stocks led the broader market recovery.
Nasdaq
The Nasdaq rose 0.74%, fueled by tech and speculative growth stocks. Teradyne surged nearly 12%, while Marvell Technology rallied 4.7% following an analyst upgrade. However, software shares fell 2.6% on renewed fears of AI disruption.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 climbed 0.60%, with broad-based gains despite energy stocks falling as oil prices retraced from recent peaks. Consumer staples and utilities also rose, with Walmart and Constellation Energy advancing.
NYSE
The NYSE Composite gained 0.29%, reflecting momentum in large-cap industrials and financials, though gains were capped by a sharp drop in energy names like Chevron and Exxon Mobil.
What Is Happening in the US Stock Market Today After the U.S.-Iran Ceasefire?
President Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran initially sparked a massive rally on Wednesday. However, on Thursday, investors questioned the durability of the Pakistan-brokered truce. Reports that Iranian forces may have mined the Strait of Hormuz dampened sentiment, but intraday buyers stepped in on hopes for continued stability. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confirmation that the country has agreed to open direct negotiations with Lebanon helped stocks turn positive.
Why Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Turned Higher Despite Ceasefire Doubts
The primary catalyst for today’s recovery was the potential full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for a fifth of the world’s oil supply. While crude prices surged toward $100 per barrel on supply concerns, the very fact that a ceasefire exists gave investors the ability to believe the situation will resolve itself longer term. Tech and growth sectors led the rebound as risk appetite returned, though energy stocks lagged due to the volatile outlook for crude prices.
US Dollar & Treasury Yields Edge Higher as Markets Balance Optimism and Caution
The U.S. dollar held firm as investors weighed geopolitical uncertainty against easing tensions. Treasury yields edged slightly higher, with the 10-year note trading around 4.31%, reflecting cautious rotation from bonds into equities. The yield remains a key level to watch; if it breaches the 4.5%–5% range again, it could trigger a fresh selloff in high-growth tech stocks.
Crude Oil Surges Back Above $100 Despite Trump’s Two-Week Iran Ceasefire
Oil prices advanced sharply on Thursday despite the ceasefire announcement. WTI crude rose as much as 7.6% to over $101 per barrel, while Brent crude traded 3% higher above $95 per barrel. The surge came as overall traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has still not improved, with only some bulk carriers—which carry dry cargo rather than oil—traversing the key waterway. Iran’s parliamentary speaker accused the U.S. of already violating the agreement, keeping supply fears alive.
How Did Oil’s Surge Impact Today’s US Stock Market
- Ceasefire doubts and Strait of Hormuz closure kept oil prices elevated.
- WTI rose 7.6% to over $101, Brent up 3% to above $95.
- Higher oil raised inflation concerns, capping broader gains.
- Tech and growth stocks still rose on hopes for long-term resolution.
- Energy stocks fell: APA Corp dropped 9.8%, Chevron and Exxon Mobil down 4-5%.
- Broader market turned positive after Netanyahu’s Lebanon comments.
Gold & Silver See Mixed Trade as Ceasefire Hopes Cap Safe-Haven Demand
After the initial ceasefire news, precious metals saw mild weakness. Gold retail rates in India declined slightly to around ₹15,148 per gram, while MCX gold futures held marginally higher at ₹1,51,951 per 10 grams. Silver saw sharper volatility, with domestic prices jumping roughly ₹10,000 per kg to ₹2,60,100 per kg as crude oil prices crashed and the USD weakened.
Why Gold and Silver Showed Mixed Signals Despite Geopolitical Tensions
Even as the ceasefire remained fragile, investors rotated slightly away from safe havens into risk assets. However, sustained central bank demand kept both metals near recent highs. Gold remains the most reliable safe-haven asset in the current 2026 economic landscape, followed by silver, which is more exposed to industrial demand fluctuations.
- Ceasefire uncertainty still supports some safe-haven buying.
- Metals benefit from central bank demand and sticky inflation.
- Traders balanced risk-on sentiment with hedging needs.
- Silver’s industrial link caused sharper volatility.
Bitcoin & Crypto Markets Attempt Relief Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire News
Bitcoin climbed on renewed risk appetite after the US-Iran ceasefire news, though gains were more muted than in previous sessions. Bitcoin jumped over 1% to approximately $71,196 (₹66,42,764), marking an attempt to “base” at current levels. Ethereum and other tokens also posted modest gains as traders returned to risk assets. Analysts note that Bitcoin remains significantly more volatile than metals, often acting as a leveraged bet on market liquidity rather than a pure defensive hedge.
Key Stats
- Open (approx): 70,300
- Day High (approx): 72,000
- Day Low (approx): 70,100
- Prev Close: 70,311
What Investors Should Watch Next in the US Stock Market
- Stability of the US-Iran ceasefire beyond two weeks, including any violations
- Full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and oil price movements
- Q1 2026 earnings season, especially Bank of America (April 15) and airlines
- March CPI reading (due Friday, April 10) – the first to reflect conflict’s impact on energy
- Federal Reserve policy outlook, including news on the next Fed Chair nominee
Top Gainers Today
Dow Jones:Â Intel (+11.42%), Home Depot, Caterpillar
Nasdaq:Â Teradyne (+11.80%), Aehr Test Systems (+25.69%), Marvell Technology (+4.69%)
S&P 500:Â Teradyne (+11.80%), Intel (+11.42%), Constellation Brands (+6.39%)
Top Losers Today
Dow Jones:Â Chevron (-4.3%), Verizon, UnitedHealth
Nasdaq:Â Simply Good Foods (-15%+), Palantir (-6.20%), Okta (-7.59%)
S&P 500:Â APA Corporation (-9.80%), Occidental Petroleum, ConocoPhillips
FAQ’s: Stock Market Today Update
Q: Why did the Dow turn higher today?
A: The Dow recovered from early losses after Israel agreed to direct negotiations with Lebanon, easing fears of a broader conflict despite ongoing ceasefire doubts.
Q: How did oil prices react?
A: Oil surged, with WTI rising over 7% to above $101 per barrel, as the Strait of Hormuz remained partially closed and Iran accused the U.S. of ceasefire violations.
Q: Why did gold and silver show mixed signals?
A: Gold saw mild weakness while silver jumped sharply, as investors balanced risk-on sentiment with continued safe-haven demand amid central bank buying.
Q: How did crypto respond?
A: Bitcoin rose over 1% to above $71,000, attempting a relief rally, though gains were smaller than the previous session’s surge.
Q: Will the rally continue?
A: It depends on whether the ceasefire holds, the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens, and upcoming inflation data (March CPI) does not reignite rate-hike fears.
Disclaimer:Â The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.
