Articles by Daniel Marsh
S&P 500, Nasdaq Scale New Peaks on Earnings Strength, Ceasefire Hopes
Major U.S. equity indices climbed to record levels Thursday, driven by strong corporate results and hopes for a de-escalation in Middle East tensions, though rising oil prices and mixed economic data introduced notes of caution.
Nikkei 225 Soars to Historic High on Tech Surge, Yen Weakness
The Nikkei 225 index closed at an all-time high of 59,518.34, gaining 2.38%, as technology shares rallied following positive signals from global markets and easing oil prices. The Topix index also advanced 1.17% to 3,814.46.
Hang Seng Rallies on Strong China GDP, Sigenergy Soars in Debut
Hong Kong stocks advanced sharply as China's first-quarter economic growth exceeded expectations, lifting the Hang Seng Index by 1.7%. Technology and electric vehicle battery shares were standout performers.
Indian Equities Retreat as Crude Spike Dampens Geopolitical Optimism
Indian benchmarks surrendered early advances to end in negative territory Thursday, as rising oil prices renewed concerns over the economy's import dependence. The Nifty 50 fell 0.14% while the Sensex declined 0.16%.
FTSE 100 Gains on Miner Strength, Mixed Corporate Updates
London's FTSE 100 advanced 0.2% on Thursday, buoyed by mining shares and a better-than-expected GDP reading. Morgan Sindall shares jumped after raising its profit outlook, contrasting with a decline for easyJet.
STI Retreats as Bank Stocks Weigh, Olam Soars on Deal Progress
The Straits Times Index declined 0.27% to 5,007.83 on Thursday, pressured by losses in major banking stocks. Olam Group jumped nearly 8% after clearing the last regulatory hurdle for its Olam Agri divestment.
Global Markets Rally on Geopolitical Easing and Commodity Surge
Global equities and commodities advanced sharply on April 16, 2026, driven by optimism over easing Middle East tensions and a weaker U.S. dollar. Cotton futures rallied over 90 points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng TECH Index jumped nearly 3% and Indian benchmarks surged.
Norse Atlantic Axes LA Summer Routes Amid Fuel Price Surge, Seeks $180M Lifeline
Norse Atlantic Airways has scrapped its entire summer schedule from Los Angeles to European hubs, blaming a sharp rise in jet fuel prices. The airline simultaneously announced a $110 million rights issue and secured a $70 million bridge loan.
Mortgage Rates Hold Near Recent Lows, Yet Spring Housing Demand Remains Subdued
Mortgage rates stabilized near recent lows, sparking a 5.1% weekly jump in refinance applications. However, purchase demand dipped 1% as builder confidence fell to a seven-month low amid economic uncertainty.
S&P 500 Hits Record Amid Iran Talks, Bank Earnings; Dow Lags
The S&P 500 climbed to a new intraday record Wednesday, buoyed by optimism over potential U.S.-Iran talks and robust earnings from major banks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, trailed the broader market, declining roughly 0.4%.
S&P 500 Reaches New High Amid Strong Earnings, Geopolitical Tensions
The S&P 500 climbed to a new intraday peak on Wednesday, its first since the U.S.-Iran conflict began, while the Nasdaq gained nearly 1%. The advance was fueled by strong bank earnings and hopes for diplomatic talks.