30 April 2026 — Today's Market News — Brent Surges 5.05% to $118 as Markets Turn Cautious Amid Rising Inflation Risks

Global Markets

(A) Commodities

Gold: $4,543.72/oz (+0.57%)

Gold rose 0.57%, marking a moderate gain. The move was primarily driven by dip-buying after recent declines, as prices had fallen to near one-month lows earlier in the week. Investors stepped in to accumulate gold at lower levels, supporting prices.

Brent Crude: $118.03/bbl (+5.05%)

Brent crude rose 5.05%, a significant surge. The rally was driven by intensifying geopolitical tensions involving Iran, including fears of supply disruptions and extended blockades affecting oil exports. At the same time, declining U.S. crude inventories and supply constraints through the Strait of Hormuz tightened global supply expectations.

These factors triggered aggressive buying as markets priced in potential supply shortages, pushing oil to multi-week highs and fuelling global inflation concerns.

(B) FX

Dollar Index (DXY): ~99.0 (+0.2%)

The dollar rose slightly as higher oil prices increased inflation concerns, keeping interest rates higher for longer. This made U.S. assets more attractive, supporting the dollar.

GBP/USD: ~1.346 (-0.1%)

The pound fell slightly as rising energy costs and political uncertainty raised concerns about the UK economy. Markets are starting to see limited upside for sterling.

USD/JPY: ~160.6 (+0.2%)

USD/JPY rose, staying above 160 as U.S. interest rates remain much higher than Japan's. This keeps pressure on the yen, with possible intervention risk from Japan.

Stock Market — What Happened Today?

United States

U.S. Equities

• Nasdaq Composite: 24,663.80 (+0.04%)
• S&P 500: 7,138.00 (-0.04%)

U.S. equities closed largely flat, with the Nasdaq Composite edging up 0.04% while the S&P 500 slipped 0.04%, reflecting a cautious market tone. Gains in technology stocks provided mild support, but broader sentiment remained subdued as investors balanced earnings momentum against persistent inflation concerns and elevated interest rates.

Major Movers

Microsoft Corporation | NASDAQ: MSFT | -1.12% ▼

Microsoft showed mixed performance after earnings, as cloud growth met expectations but did not strongly surprise investors. The stock faced pressure as markets questioned returns on heavy AI investment spending.

South Korea

KOSPI: -0.80%

Samsung Electronics | KRX: 005930 | -2.43% ▼

Samsung reported record quarterly profit, driven by a 50-fold jump in chip income as strong AI data-centre demand boosted memory-chip prices.

However, the stock still fell as investors booked profits after a strong rally, and the company warned that rising oil prices could increase logistics and cost pressures, which may impact margins going forward.

France / Netherlands

Air France-KLM | EPA: AF | +2.77% ▲

Air France-KLM rose after reporting a much smaller-than-expected Q1 loss, boosting investor confidence.

However, the company cut its 2026 capacity outlook and warned that fuel costs could rise sharply due to geopolitical tensions, which may pressure future profits.

Volatility

VIX closed at 18.81, indicating cautious conditions.

What Traders Are Watching

1. U.S. PCE inflation and GDP — Key data could reshape Fed rate expectations.
2. ECB and BOE decisions — Hawkish guidance may add pressure to global bonds.
3. Brent crude and Strait of Hormuz risk — Further supply stress could lift inflation expectations and pressure equities.