Finance

The price of Bitcoin surged above $78,000 on April 22, 2026, marking its highest level in over two months following the announcement of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension. Analysts note that cryptocurrencies are increasingly behaving as apolitical assets, showing a strong 84% correlation with the S&P 500 as they capture macro-driven demand.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note hovered near 4.3% as unexpectedly strong retail sales data for March suggested a resilient domestic economy. Persistent inflation concerns, exacerbated by high energy costs and a firm term premium, have led many analysts to push back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts until late 2026.

Investors are closely monitoring high-profile earnings reports from Tesla, IBM, and ServiceNow scheduled for release after the closing bell. Early reports from companies like GE Vernova and Moody's have already influenced morning sentiment, with Moody's achieving record first-quarter results driven by strong demand for credit ratings and AI infrastructure projects.

While equity futures rallied on ceasefire news, oil prices remained elevated as reports emerged of Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. WTI crude futures fluctuated around the $90 per barrel mark, reflecting ongoing supply concerns that continue to pressure the broader energy sector and fuel global inflation risks.