Major stock indices closed the week on a mixed note, with the Nasdaq 100 leading gains while developed international and emerging markets fell. It was a relatively quiet week for economic data, leaving markets more sensitive to external developments.
Investor sentiment shifted daily as news evolved around the ongoing Iran conflict and corporate earnings releases. Geopolitical uncertainty remained the dominant driver of market movement.
One area drawing increased attention is the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions are beginning to ripple through global energy supply chains. These effects are being felt most acutely in Europe and Asia. Current projections suggest Europe could face jet fuel shortages within approximately six weeks, while parts of Asia are already experiencing localized supply constraints.
We will continue monitoring these developments closely and keep you informed of any meaningful changes that could impact markets and portfolios.
Treasury Yields
- 30-year Treasury: 4.916% (higher)
- 10-year Treasury: 4.309% (higher)
Mortgage Rates
- Average 30-year fixed (Freddie Mac): 6.23% (lower)
Commodities & Currency
- Crude oil: $95.22 per barrel (much higher)
- Natural gas: $2.520 (lower)
- U.S. dollar index: 97.82 (lower)
- Gold: $4,723.30 per ounce (lower)
- Silver $75.815 per ounce (much lower)
Labor Department
Jobless Claims (prior week)
- New Claims 214,000 (higher)
- 4-week Moving Average 210,750 (higher)
- Total Claims 1,821,000 (higher)
Energy & Industry Data
Energy Information Administration
- Weekly Oil Production 13.585 million barrels (lower)
- Natural Gas Storage +103 billion CuFt, above average for this time of year over the past 5 years.
Baker Hughes Rig Count
- Oil rigs: -3 at 407
- Gas rigs: +4 at 129
Factset reported with 28% of S&P 500 companies reporting, blended Q1 earnings are +15.1% from a year ago.
(All data was released the week of 04/20/2026)
(All monthly statistics are seasonally adjusted unless stated otherwise).
If you have questions about the markets or your financial plan, we’re always here to help.
Loren Rex – Emeritus
Erik A Smith, AIF® – President & C.E.O.
Nicholas Acri, CFP® – Partner & Wealth Advisor
Dylan Thomas, CFP® – Partner & Wealth Advisor
Jack Zeeb – Wealth Advisor
These are the opinions of Loren Rex and Erik Smith and are not necessarily those of Cambridge, are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice. The Indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Dow Jones, or simply the Dow, is a stock market index of 30 prominent companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. The DJIA is one of the oldest and most commonly followed equity indexes. The Nasdaq Composite is a stock market index that includes almost all stocks listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange (more than 2500 stocks).
Sources:
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=WCRFPUS2&f=W
https://ir.eia.gov/ngs/ngs.html
https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
https://www.wsj.com/market-data?mod=nav_top_subsection
https://bakerhughesrigcount.gcs-web.com/na-rig-count
