US Close Market Recap: April 29, 2026

2026-04-29 · Market News · MarketsFN Team

US Stocks Mixed Amid Fed Steady Hold and Oil Rally

🇺🇸 US Session Overview

US equities ended the session with divergent performances, as the S&P 500 closed at 7,135.95, down 0.04%, pressured by broader market caution following the Fed's unchanged rates and mixed economic data. The Nasdaq 100 bucked the trend, rising to 27,186.98 with a 0.58% gain, buoyed by strong tech earnings from companies like Microsoft, which reported 40% Azure growth, and Alphabet, which increased its 2026 capex to up to $190 billion. In contrast, the Dow Jones fell 0.57% to 48,861.81, and the Russell 2000 dropped 0.60% to 2,739.47, reflecting weakness in smaller caps amid rising energy costs and sector-specific drags like Meta's stock decline due to user disruptions in Iran. Sector dynamics highlighted tech resilience, with cloud and semiconductor plays supporting the Nasdaq, while energy and consumer sectors faced headwinds from oil volatility and economic indicators.

📅 Economic Calendar Highlights

Today's economic releases featured several key US and international data points, with mixed results against expectations. The US Fed Interest Rate Decision held at 3.75% as forecasted, but with the highest dissent since 1992, signaling internal divisions. US Durable Goods Orders (MoM) for March beat forecasts at 0.8% versus the expected 0.4%, while Core Durable Goods Orders also exceeded at 0.9% against 0.4%. In housing, US Housing Starts for March surged to 1.502 million from 1.398 million, with a 10.8% MoM increase, surpassing prior estimates. Abroad, AUD CPI (YoY) came in at 4.1%, slightly below the 4.2% forecast, and EUR German CPI (YoY) for April was 2.9% versus 3.0% expected. Misses included SEK GDP (QoQ) at -0.2% against 0.1% forecast, and EUR Spanish CPI (YoY) at 3.2% below 3.5%. Overall, the data pointed to resilient US demand but softening global inflation pressures.

📋 Earnings Spotlight

Today's earnings reports featured several notable names, with tech giants leading the highlights. Microsoft beat expectations on both revenue and earnings, driven by 40% growth in Azure, while Alphabet raised its 2026 capital expenditure to as much as $190 billion and anticipated further increases. Amazon also surpassed earnings forecasts with 28% sales growth in its cloud unit, though its stock dipped slightly. Other reporters included AbbVie, ADP, and Amphenol, providing early insights into corporate health amid economic uncertainty.

💱 FX & Commodities

The US dollar showed mixed strength, gaining against some majors like the yen amid the Fed's steady stance, with USD/JPY rising 0.61% to 160.32, while weakening against others such as the euro and pound, where EUR/USD fell 0.36% to 1.1681 and GBP/USD dropped 0.49% to 1.3473. The Aussie dollar faced significant pressure, declining 1.04% to 0.7116 due to softer-than-expected CPI data. In commodities, crude oil dominated headlines, with WTI surging 8.57% to 108.49 and Brent Oil up 0.58% to 111.91, driven by geopolitical risks including Trump's blockade comments on Iran. Gold eased 0.74% to 4,557.30, and Bitcoin slipped 0.67% to 75,839.60, as investors weighed safe-haven flows against rising energy costs.

As Asian markets prepare to open, traders will focus on potential reactions to the Fed's dissent and oil volatility, with upcoming US jobs data and Chinese manufacturing figures on the horizon. The surge in crude prices could influence inflation expectations, while tech earnings momentum might support regional equities. Overall, watch for yen movements and energy sector impacts in tomorrow's session.

🇺🇸 US Indices — Session Close

💱 FX Majors

🛢️ Commodities & Crypto

📋 Today's Earnings

📅 Economic Calendar

All times in UTC — Actual highlighted where available

Report published: April 29, 2026 — 23:23 CET