Financial Markets Daily Report23 April 2026
Yesterday's session began with news that the US was extending the ceasefire until Iran retakes the negotiations, lowering market volatility. Despite this, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian coast persists, as Iran seized two vessels, thus driving Brent prices back above $100/barrel, and opening today's session nearly at $103.
These mixed signals made global government yields close flat on choppy trading, while the US dollar continued to strengthen due to its safe haven status, leaving the EUR/USD cross at 1.17. Investors will focus now on understanding signals from the Fed and the ECB, ahead of their next week meetings.
In equities markets, US stock indices advanced driven by continued stronger-than-expected first quarter earnings from their companies, while uncertainty made euro area indices close with losses. Today, April PMIs will be published to help assess further the impact of the war in the Middle East on activity.