Quick overview

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In this context, Wall Street’s main indexes closed with moderate losses: the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.01% to 49,442.69 points; the S&P 500 fell 0.22% to 7,110.22; and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.26% to 24,404.39.

Mixed headlines and geopolitical noise

Investors navigated a session marked by conflicting signals over the future of negotiations between the United States and Iran.

While Donald Trump said Vice President JD Vance would travel to Pakistan to resume talks, other reports pointed to delays in the agenda.

From Tehran, the tone hardened: Iranian officials rejected a new round of negotiations, citing “excessive demands” and constant shifts in Washington’s position.

However, reports from The New York Times suggested that an Iranian delegation was still considering attending talks in Pakistan, keeping the door open for a potential agreement.

At the same time, Trump warned that extending the current two-week ceasefire is “highly unlikely” if no deal is reached by Wednesday night (Washington time), adding further pressure to the situation.

Meanwhile, energy markets reacted sharply:

• • Brent crude rose 5.7% to $95.52
  • WTI crude climbed 5.9% to $87.42

The Fed enters the spotlight

Amid this backdrop, monetary policy added another layer of uncertainty. Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell as head of the Federal Reserve.Warsh, who served at the Fed from 2006 to 2011, played a key role during the global financial crisis. His nomination helped ease some concerns about central bank independence, but also triggered market reactions.Analysts noted that his historically hawkish stance weighed on equities and supported the US dollar. The most notable move was seen in precious metals, which pulled back sharply following recent gains in gold and silver.

Markets still strong, but warning signs emerge

Despite the pullback, equities remain near recent highs after a strong rally. The S&P 500 has posted three consecutive weeks of gains, rising დაახლოებით 11.9% and returning to record levels.

This rapid move pushed the index from oversold to overbought territory in a short period, helping explain the current cautious tone.

At the same time, earnings season is gaining momentum. While the Middle East conflict remains the primary driver, first-quarter corporate results are increasingly shaping market direction.

“This is a key week for earnings. Unless there’s a geopolitical shock, the focus will be on results and, above all, forward guidance,” market strategists said.

Among the major companies set to report are Tesla, Intel, American Express, Boeing, and 3M.