Finance

Intel's stock price surged approximately 24% to a record high following better-than-expected quarterly results and an optimistic outlook for artificial intelligence infrastructure. This rally also lifted competitors like AMD, which saw significant gains despite a lack of direct company news, as analysts upgraded expectations for the broader CPU and data center gear sector.

Bitcoin prices held steady around $78,000 on April 24, 2026, putting the cryptocurrency on track for its strongest monthly performance in a year with a 13.6% gain in April. Institutional momentum remains high as global investors increasingly integrate digital assets into broader financial infrastructure despite ongoing geopolitical caution.

First-quarter earnings reports for 2026 showed a varied performance, with American Express beating estimates while American Airlines reported a quarterly loss. In the broader banking sector, major U.S. institutions maintained solid earnings momentum supported by resilient net interest income and investment banking revenue.

Crude oil prices saw a significant dip on Friday as optimism regarding renewed peace talks between the U.S. and Iran helped ease supply concerns. Brent crude dropped nearly 6% to trade around $98 per barrel, providing some relief even as long-term inflation fears tied to Middle East tensions remain high.

Recent economic data showed initial U.S. unemployment claims rising slightly above forecasts to 214,000 for the week ending April 18. Simultaneously, manufacturing cost pressures have intensified, with price indices reaching their highest levels since 2022, complicating the Federal Reserve's path for future interest rate cuts.