US stock markets remained near record highs as investors balanced strong corporate earnings against rising oil prices and uncertainty linked to the ongoing Iran war.
New York: US stock markets held close to record highs on Thursday as investors weighed geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Iran war alongside strong corporate earnings.
The S&P 500 rose 0.2 per cent, extending its recent winning streak after touching a fresh all-time high.
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average added around 110 points, while the Nasdaq Composite edged higher, reflecting steady but cautious investor sentiment.
Oil prices climb on supply concerns
Crude oil prices moved higher as markets remained concerned about possible disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude rose about 1.4 per cent, with traders closely watching developments in the Iran conflict.
Analysts warned that any breakdown in diplomatic talks could increase volatility further, particularly given the importance of supply routes through the Persian Gulf.
Earnings season supports sentiment
Stronger-than-expected corporate earnings helped offset geopolitical concerns and supported market stability. Several major US companies reported better-than-forecast results for early 2026.
PepsiCo posted improved snack sales after price adjustments, while Marsh McLennan and Prologis also reported stronger earnings, boosting investor confidence.
In the technology sector, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. delivered robust results, pointing to sustained demand for semiconductors.
Mixed performance across individual stocks
Abbott Laboratories slipped after cutting its full-year profit forecast despite slightly better quarterly results, largely due to acquisition-related costs.
Allbirds also saw sharp volatility, falling after a steep surge in the previous session.
Global markets advance
European and Asian markets also traded higher, with Japan’s Nikkei, South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng posting notable gains.
China reported 5 per cent economic growth for the January–March quarter, though analysts cautioned that global trade uncertainty could affect future momentum.
In the bond market, US Treasury yields dipped after new data showed fewer jobless claims. The 10-year Treasury yield fell to 4.26 per cent.
Overall, markets remain supported by strong earnings, but sentiment continues to be influenced by geopolitical risks and uncertainty over the Iran war.
Published: 16 Apr 2026, 08:15 pm IST
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