U.S. Market Close Report - 2026-04-21
U.S. Market Close Report - 2026-04-21
On April 21, 2026, U.S. financial markets experienced notable movements, particularly in the credit and rates sectors, which influenced broader market performance.
U.S. Indices
The S&P 500 Index (SPY) closed at $704.08, down 0.65%. The Nasdaq 100 Index (QQQ) ended at $644.33, a decrease of 0.38%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) finished at $491.36, down 0.60%. The Russell 2000 Index (IWM) closed at $274.51, a decline of 1.02%. The Total Market [ETF](https://aksoycapital.com/glossary/exchange-traded-fund-etf.html) (VTI) ended at $347.84, down 0.68%.
Top Gainers
- HP Inc. (HPQ): $21.09 (+7.66%)
- UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH): $346.01 (+6.96%)
- D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI): $162.20 (+5.78%)
- NetApp, Inc. (NTAP): $111.80 (+4.69%)
- Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL): $212.36 (+3.98%)
Top Losers
- Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL): $27.36 (-5.69%)
- Insulet Corporation (PODD): $192.33 (-4.25%)
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK): $112.56 (-3.88%)
- Royal Caribbean Group (RCL): $271.47 (-3.83%)
- Medtronic plc (MDT): $82.00 (-3.53%)
Global Markets
- FTSE 100 (UK): 10,498.09 (-1.05%)
- DAX (Germany): 24,270.87 (-0.60%)
- CAC 40 (France): 8,235.72 (-1.14%)
- Euro Stoxx 50: 5,930.25 (-0.88%)
- TSX Composite (Canada): 33,808.30 (-1.61%)
Commodities
- WTI Crude Oil: $90.22 (+0.68%)
- Brent Crude: $93.86 (-1.70%)
- Natural Gas: $2.71 (+0.78%)
- Gold: $4,738.50 (-1.42%)
- [Silver](https://aksoycapital.com/glossary/silver.html): $76.67 (-4.11%)
- Platinum: $2,045.50 (-1.22%)
- Copper: $6.02 (-0.31%)
Money Market / Rates Curve
- Fed Funds Rate: 3.64%
- SOFR (Overnight): 3.63%
- 1-Month [T-Bill](https://aksoycapital.com/glossary/t-bill.html): 3.69%
- 3-Month T-Bill: 3.71%
- 6-Month T-Bill: 3.72%
- 1-Year Treasury: 3.65%
- 10-Year TIPS Real Yield: 1.91%
Macro and FX
- VIX: 18.87
- 10-Year Treasury Yield: 4.26%
- 2-Year Treasury Yield: 3.72%
- 10Y-2Y Spread: 0.54 percentage points
- DXY (Dollar Index): 98.39
Crypto
- Bitcoin (BTC-USD): $75,536.01 (-0.44%)
- Ethereum (ETH-USD): $2,312.78 (-0.11%)
Top Stories Driving Markets
- Geopolitics: Vice President JD Vance canceled a diplomatic trip to Pakistan, where he was expected to lead U.S. negotiators in talks with Iran to extend the ceasefire. This development heightened uncertainty regarding the future of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, leading to market volatility. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/2a433707e09976e2e77f2eba3a225f3d?utm_source=openai))
- Commodities: Oil prices experienced fluctuations amid geopolitical tensions. WTI Crude Oil rose by 0.68% to $90.22, while Brent Crude declined by 1.70% to $93.86. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/2a433707e09976e2e77f2eba3a225f3d?utm_source=openai))
- Policy: The Senate confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair was held. Warsh emphasized the need for significant changes in the Federal Reserve to avoid repeating past mistakes on inflation, including a new inflation framework and reducing the balance sheet by shedding a portion of longer-term Treasuries. ([tradingeconomics.com](https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/government-bond-yield/news/543582?utm_source=openai))
Looking Ahead
Investors will be closely monitoring the developments in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations, as the current truce is set to expire soon. Additionally, the Senate's decision on Kevin Warsh's nomination as Federal Reserve Chair could influence future monetary policy. Upcoming economic data releases, such as retail sales figures, will also be key indicators to watch.
Highlights:
- [Stocks slip and oil prices rise on uncertainty about US-Iran ceasefire talks](https://apnews.com/article/2a433707e09976e2e77f2eba3a225f3d?utm_source=openai), Published on Monday, April 20
- [How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday 4/21/2026](https://apnews.com/article/343f6ab2c9e1733d571314c0461dd5ec?utm_source=openai), Published on Tuesday, April 21