AI-led gains lift markets as higher oil prices keep inflation risks in focus.
Markets advanced as SK Hynix rose 6.00%, Nasdaq gained 1.63%, and S&P 500 added 0.80%. Gold rose 0.20%, silver gained 0.58%, while Brent crude climbed 1.87% on Iran-linked supply concerns.
Today's Snapshot
- SK Hynix: 1,222,000 (+6.00%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 24,438.50 (+1.63%)
- S&P 500: 7,108.40 (+0.80%)
- Gold: $4,709.25/oz (+0.20%)
- Silver: $75.6988/oz (+0.58%)
- Brent Crude: $105.33/bbl (+1.87%)
Global Markets
(A) Commodities
Gold: $4,709.25/oz (+0.20%)
Gold rose 0.20% to $4,709.25/oz as investors sought safer assets amid ongoing Iran-related tensions. A weaker U.S. dollar also made gold more attractive to buyers. However, rising oil prices could keep interest rates higher for longer, which limited bigger gains in gold.
Silver: $75.6988/oz (+0.58%)
Silver gained 0.58% to $75.6988/oz, rising more than gold. It was supported by stronger precious metals demand and hopes for industrial use in electronics, solar, and AI-related products. A weaker dollar also helped silver prices move higher.
Brent Crude: $105.33/bbl (+1.87%)
Brent crude oil rose 1.87% to $105.33/bbl as worries grew over supply disruptions linked to Iran tensions and delays in peace talks. Traders fear less oil could reach the market, which pushed prices up. Higher oil prices can increase fuel, shipping, and business costs, which may also raise inflation.
(B) FX
Dollar Index (DXY): 98.62 (+0.35%)
The U.S. dollar strengthened as investors moved into safer assets after U.S.–Iran peace talks lost momentum. Rising geopolitical tension and higher oil prices increased caution in markets, which supported demand for the dollar.
USD/JPY: 159.51 (+0.20%)
The dollar rose against the Japanese yen, with USD/JPY trading near 159.51. The yen stayed weak because Japan still has very low interest rates compared with the U.S., making the dollar more attractive. Markets are also watching the 160 level closely in case Japanese authorities step in to support the yen.
EUR/USD: 1.1706 (-0.14%)
The euro slipped against the dollar as investors preferred safer currencies amid Middle East uncertainty. With the European Central Bank expected to stay cautious this week, the dollar gained an edge over the euro.
Stock Market — What Happened Today?
United States
U.S. Equities
- Nasdaq Composite: 24,438.50 (+1.63%)
- S&P 500: 7,108.40 (+0.80%)
U.S. equities advanced as strong technology momentum and renewed investor confidence lifted major benchmarks higher. The Nasdaq outperformed with a 1.63% gain, while the S&P 500 rose 0.80%, reflecting continued appetite for growth stocks despite broader macro uncertainty.
Major Mover
NVIDIA | NASDAQ: NVDA | +4.32% ▲
NVIDIA gained as continued enthusiasm around AI infrastructure spending lifted semiconductor shares and supported the Nasdaq rally.
South Korea
KOSPI: 6,630.35 (+2.30%)
South Korean equities hit record highs as chipmakers rallied on global AI optimism and stronger Wall Street technology performance. Export-heavy shares also benefited from improved growth sentiment.
Major Mover
SK Hynix | KRX: 000660 | +6.00% ▲
SK Hynix jumped as investors expected stronger demand for AI memory chips used in data centres.
United Kingdom
FTSE 100: 10,600.53 (-0.75%)
UK equities slipped as investors remained cautious ahead of Bank of England policy guidance and inflation risks from higher oil prices.
Major Mover
Shell | LSE: SHEL | +0.62% ▲
Shell gained as stronger Brent crude prices lifted energy shares across the UK market.
Volatility
VIX closed at 18.71, indicating cautious but improving market conditions.
What Traders Are Watching
- Fed decision — Guidance will matter for rate expectations as oil-driven inflation risks rise.
- U.S.–Iran talks — Any progress or setback could move oil, gold, and risk assets.
- Mega-cap tech earnings — Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Apple could decide whether the AI rally continues.
“Know what you own, and know why you own it.”
Yesterday's Market News – 23 April 2026
U.S. stocks moved higher, with the Nasdaq up 1.64% and the S&P 500 gaining 1.05%, supported by strong AI-related technology shares and upbeat earnings sentiment. Gold fell 0.50% and silver dropped 2.25% as investors shifted toward equities, while Iran-related geopolitical risks and higher oil prices kept broader markets cautious.
Read full recap →Sources
- Reuters – Global Markets – Asian stocks hit record highs as AI rally lifts chipmakers while oil risks keep investors cautious
- Reuters – Energy – Brent crude rises as Iran tensions and stalled peace talks raise supply concerns
- Investing.com – Asia Markets – Nikkei and KOSPI reach record highs tracking Wall Street tech gains
- Investing.com – Commodities – Gold rises as Iran tensions support safe-haven demand despite higher rate concerns
- Reuters – United Kingdom – FTSE slips as Bank of England caution and inflation risks weigh on sentiment
Disclaimer
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