22 April 2026 — Today's Market News — U.S. Stocks Fall 0.63% as Nikkei Hits Record High; Equities Slip as Gold Rises 0.88%

Global Markets

(A) Commodities

Gold: $4,720.28/oz (+0.88%)

Gold rose 0.88% at $4,720.28 as easing oil prices and a softer dollar reduced immediate inflation anxiety and improved the appeal of non-yielding assets. The extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire reduced immediate oil-driven inflation fears, which in turn lowered pressure on interest rate expectations and improved the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold. At the same time, the weaker dollar made gold more attractive for international buyers, reinforcing the upward move.

Brent Crude: $98.51/bbl (+0.02%)

Oil prices were little changed as markets balanced easing geopolitical tensions with ongoing supply risks. The extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire initially reduced fears of an immediate escalation, which capped further upside in crude prices. However, uncertainty over whether all parties will agree to the truce, along with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for roughly 20% of global oil supply — kept a firm risk premium in place.

As a result, crude remains elevated near the $100 level despite reduced war intensity, reflecting a market still pricing in potential supply disruptions and sustained inflation pressure if tensions persist.

(B) FX

Dollar Index (DXY): 98.36 (steady)

The dollar stabilized as easing Iran-related tensions reduced safe-haven demand, but remained supported by firm U.S. data and higher yield expectations, keeping downside limited.

USD/JPY: 159.17 (steady)

The pair held near multi-decade highs as wide U.S.-Japan rate differentials continued to favor the dollar, while uncertainty around the ceasefire kept markets cautious and intervention risks in focus.

Stock Market — What Happened Today

United States

U.S. Equities

• S&P 500: 7,109.14 (-0.63%)
• Nasdaq Composite: 24,404.39 (-0.59%)

U.S. equities edged lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.63% and Nasdaq 0.59%, as investors turned cautious amid profit-taking and ongoing macro uncertainty.

Major Mover

NVIDIA | NASDAQ: NVDA | -1.08% ▼

Nvidia is reportedly pushing South Korean partners toward 800V DC AI data center architecture (vs ~54V currently) to improve power efficiency by reducing current, copper usage, and energy loss. The move highlights a structural shift where power infrastructure is becoming a key constraint in AI scaling, though adoption may require new builds due to compatibility limitations with existing systems.

Japan

Nikkei 225: 59,349.17 (+0.40%)

The index went up and touched a record high of 59,708.21, mainly because Japan's exports grew strongly by 11.7%, which is better than expected. But overall gains were limited because other Asian markets were weak and tech stocks fell after losses in the U.S. market.

Sapporo Holdings | TYO: 2501 | -4.84% ▼

Shares fell after Sapporo sold its U.S. brand Stone Brewing. Even though it made $23M profit on the deal, it also took a big loss (~$80M now + >$90M earlier) because the business was not doing well due to low demand and high costs.

Volatility & Positioning

VIX closed at 18.63, indicating cautious conditions.

What Traders Are Watching

1. Iran ceasefire durability — any breakdown could push oil sharply higher again and quickly tighten financial conditions.
2. Fed and rates signal — Kevin Warsh's comments and stronger U.S. retail sales have already nudged markets toward a higher-for-longer view.
3. Big Tech and AI earnings — Reuters flagged Texas Instruments and Tesla results as key tests of whether strong AI enthusiasm can keep offsetting macro and energy headwinds.