U.S. Market Close Report - 2026-04-20

U.S. Indices

On April 20, 2026, U.S. stock indices exhibited mixed performance, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average experiencing slight declines, while the Russell 2000 index of smaller companies posted a modest gain. The S&P 500 closed at 7,109.14, down 0.2%, the Nasdaq Composite at 24,404.39, down 0.3%, and the Dow Jones at 49,442.56, down less than 0.1%. In contrast, the Russell 2000 rose 0.6% to 2,792.96. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/04/20/wall-street-stocks-dow-nasdaq/23c21160-3cf6-11f1-bb46-ed564688d953_story.html?utm_source=openai))

Top Movers

Top Gainers:

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Shares increased by 5.18%, closing at $27.81.
• Dell Technologies (DELL): Shares rose 3.91%, ending at $204.24.
• Charter Communications (CHTR): Shares gained 3.41%, closing at $244.69.
• Biogen (BIIB): Shares climbed 3.38%, finishing at $183.34.
• ServiceNow (NOW): Shares advanced 3.17%, ending at $99.72.

Top Losers:

• Boston Scientific (BSX): Shares declined 5.04%, closing at $60.99.
• Intel (INTC): Shares fell 4.09%, ending at $65.70.
• McCormick & Company (MKC): Shares decreased 2.72%, closing at $52.85.
• Colgate-Palmolive (CL): Shares dropped 2.66%, finishing at $83.53.
• Meta Platforms (META): Shares fell 2.56%, ending at $670.91.

Global Markets

Europe:

• FTSE 100 (UK): Closed at 10,609.08, down 0.55%.
• DAX (Germany): Closed at 24,417.80, down 1.15%.
• CAC 40 (France): Closed at 8,331.05, down 1.12%.
• Euro Stoxx 50: Closed at 5,982.63, down 1.24%.

Asia:

• Nikkei 225 (Japan): Data not available.
• Hang Seng (Hong Kong): Data not available.
• Shanghai Composite (China): Data not available.

Canada:

• TSX Composite: Closed at 34,360.03, up 0.04%.

Commodities

• WTI Crude Oil: Closed at $85.89, up 2.43%.
• Brent Crude: Closed at $94.28, up 4.32%.
• Natural Gas: Closed at $2.68, up 0.07%.
• Gold: Closed at $4,841.00, down 0.34%.
• Silver: Closed at $79.87, down 2.29%.
• Platinum: Closed at $2,096.90, down 1.30%.
• Copper: Closed at $6.05, down 0.95%.

Money Market / Rates Curve

• Federal Funds Rate: 3.64%
• SOFR (Overnight): 3.65%
• 1-Month [T-Bill](https://aksoycapital.com/glossary/t-bill.html): 3.69%
• 3-Month T-Bill: 3.70%
• 6-Month T-Bill: 3.69%
• 1-Year Treasury: 3.64%
• 10-Year TIPS Real Yield: 1.90%

Macro and FX

• VIX: 0.0
• 10-Year Treasury Yield: 4.26%
• 2-Year Treasury Yield: 3.71%
• 10Y-2Y Spread: 0.55 percentage points
• DXY (Dollar Index): 98.06
• Fed Funds Rate: 3.64%

Crypto

• Bitcoin (BTC-USD): $75,934.35, up 2.81%
• Ethereum (ETH-USD): $2,320.70, up 2.46%

Top Stories Driving Markets

On April 12, 2026, geopolitical tensions escalated as President Trump announced a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of weekend talks with Iran. This development led to a surge in energy prices and a decline in major U.S. stock indices, with futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite dropping more than 1%. The heightened inflation risk prompted a repricing of rate-cut expectations. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/b17ad9416d833ca57d7f66cf00283084?utm_source=openai))

Additionally, Vice President Vance departed Islamabad without securing an agreement with Iran, citing the refusal to halt Iran's nuclear program. This diplomatic impasse spurred a safe-haven bid in gold and Treasuries, while the U.S. dollar firmed against emerging market currencies. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/b17ad9416d833ca57d7f66cf00283084?utm_source=openai))

In the commodities market, Brent crude oil prices surged past $100 due to the risk of the Strait of Hormuz closure. Energy [ETF](https://aksoycapital.com/glossary/exchange-traded-fund-etf.html) flows surged into XLE, while airline and transport equities weakened on fuel-cost fears. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/b17ad9416d833ca57d7f66cf00283084?utm_source=openai))

Furthermore, central bank rate-cut expectations were scaled back on fresh inflation concerns. The implied probability of a near-term cut in the Federal Reserve's funds rate fell, and the yield curve steepened modestly. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/b17ad9416d833ca57d7f66cf00283084?utm_source=openai))

Looking Ahead

Investors are closely monitoring the expiration of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire on Tuesday night, April 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. The outcome of this event could significantly influence market sentiment and asset prices. Additionally, the earnings season continues, with major companies scheduled to report their first-quarter 2026 results this week. Market participants are watching for any guidance on future earnings and economic outlooks.