Finance

Shares of Intel skyrocketed nearly 24% on April 24, marking its strongest single-day performance since 1987. The gain followed a quarterly earnings report that exceeded analyst expectations, reigniting investor confidence in the semiconductor industry's role in the ongoing artificial intelligence expansion.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures retreated toward $94 per barrel as reports of potential peace talks between the U.S. and Iran emerged. This de-escalation of energy price volatility helped lower the VIX volatility index by over 3.5%, fueling a broader appetite for risk assets across U.S. markets.

The 10-year Treasury yield eased to approximately 4.30% after the U.S. Department of Justice concluded an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This development removes a key hurdle for confirming the next Fed chair nominee, as markets price in a steady interest rate environment for the remainder of the year.

Bitcoin prices saw slight volatility, recently trading near $77,500 while testing a major resistance zone around $80,000. Market participants are monitoring potential shifts toward a more dovish U.S. interest rate outlook and institutional ETF inflows as catalysts for the next breakout.

April flash PMI readings for the U.S. showed unexpected strength, with manufacturing reaching its highest level since mid-2022. While business activity remains robust, a University of Michigan survey indicated that consumer sentiment remains somewhat dampened by persistent inflation and high energy costs.