Financial Markets Daily Report22 April 2026
Yesterday's session began on a positive tone, but sentiment deteriorated as the day progressed amid rising concerns that Iran may not participate in upcoming talks in Pakistan and with the ceasefire deadline approaching. Energy prices rose, with Brent trading above USD 98/barrel and TTF closing at EUR 42/MWh.
Sovereign bond yields edged higher on both sides of the Atlantic, as short-term interest rate expectations moved signaling a more hawkish stance by the respective central banks. The US dollar appreciated amid growing uncertainty, especially against the euro and the Japanese yen, leaving the EUR/USD cross just above 1.17, a one-week low.
In equities markets, Asian stocks closed with gains before the market sentiment dipped, while euro area indices fell, and US did as well despite the release of strong quarterly earnings from some corporates. Investors will now continue to asses the developments in the Middle East, as the ceasefire has been reportedly extended.