Last week was marked by rising indexes; however, it ended on a mixed note, with stocks holding firm while oil and inflation remained in focus. The Dow Jones (DJIA) fell 0.56% to 47,916, while the S&P 500 (SPX) slipped 0.11% and the Nasdaq (NDX) rose 0.14%. At the same time, the U.S. 10-year yield moved up to 4.32%, and oil prices (CM:CL) held near $95.
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Trade AMZN with leverageThis setup reflects a market that is steady on the surface but still shaped by energy risk and rate pressure.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) traded near $73,000, and gold (CM:XAUUSD) held close to record levels, suggesting that some investors are still seeking hedges.
Energy Shock, AI Push, and Mixed Signals
First, inflation moved back to the center of the story. U.S. CPI rose 0.9% in March, the largest monthly gain in almost four years. Gas prices surged 21.2% as supply risk tied to Iran drove costs higher.
At the same time, the oil market showed signs of strain beneath the surface. Physical crude prices surged well above futures, with some cargoes trading above $140. As one market expert said, “There is simply a shortage of crude.” This gap points to real supply stress that could hit fuel and transport in the weeks ahead.
As a result, energy firms like Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) moved higher, while airlines and shipping firms face rising cost risk. In Europe, airport groups warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks if supply routes remain tight.
On the other hand, AI remained a strong theme across markets. Anthropic launched a new cyber defense effort with support from firms like Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Nvidia (NVDA). The goal is to use AI to find and fix software risks at scale, which shows how central AI has become across sectors.
In addition, CoreWeave (CRWV) jumped after a new deal with Anthropic to supply compute power. This reflects strong demand for AI capacity despite high costs.
At the same time, Intel Corporation (INTC) stood out with a sharp rally of nearly 43% this month. The move followed new partnerships tied to AI chips and cloud demand. Investors now see a path for Intel to improve its foundry business as demand for compute continues to rise.
In other news, a new report showed SpaceX posted $18.5 billion in revenue but a $5 billion loss, driven in part by AI data center spending. This highlights how capital-heavy the AI race has become.
Elsewhere, some areas showed weakness. U.S. EV sales fell 27% in the first quarter, though Tesla Inc. (TSLA) still held a 54% share. In software, Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) declined during the week as valuation concerns weighed on the sector.
The Week Ahead
Looking ahead, oil will remain the key driver. If supply does not return to normal flows, prices could rise again and push inflation higher. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) warned that oil could reach $120 if supply routes stay tight through July.
At the same time, investors will watch bond yields closely. A further rise in the 10-year yield could add pressure on growth stocks and housing.
In addition, consumer data will stay in focus after the sharp drop in sentiment. Any further weakness may start to show in retail and earnings outlooks.
Finally, AI will remain a core theme. New deals, rising demand for compute, and high spending levels will continue to shape tech stocks and market leadership.
For now, markets are holding steady, but the mix of energy risk, high rates, and soft consumer data suggests that volatility may return if conditions shift.
Upcoming Earnings and Ex-Dividend Announcements
The third week of April brings a heavy set of earnings from large banks, tech firms, and global names. At the same time, a broad group of firms will trade ex-dividend across sectors. Investors will focus on signs of demand, loan growth, and cost trends, while income-focused traders will track yield and payout timing.
Earnings Preview
On Monday, April 13, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) is set to report earnings of $16.47 per share on revenue of about $16.99 billion. In addition, Fastenal Company (FAST) will report earnings of $0.30 per share and revenue of nearly $2.20 billion, offering a read on industrial demand.
On Tuesday, April 14, a group of large banks will report. Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) is expected to post earnings of $2.68 per share on revenue of about $23.61 billion. At the same time, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) will report earnings of $5.45 per share on revenue near $49.13 billion. Citigroup Inc. (C) is set to post $2.63 per share, while Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) is expected to report $1.58 per share. These results will give a clear view of credit trends and loan demand.
On Wednesday, April 15, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) will report earnings of $1.01 per share on revenue of about $29.92 billion. Morgan Stanley (MS) is expected to post $3.02 per share, while The Progressive Corporation (PGR) has already reported earnings of $4.583 per share, below the $4.82 estimate. In tech, ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) is set to report $7.70 per share on revenue near $10.08 billion, which may reflect demand for chip tools.
On Thursday, April 16, Netflix Inc. (NFLX) will report earnings of $0.79 per share on revenue of about $12.18 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) is expected to post $3.29 per share on revenue near $35.33 billion, offering insight into global chip demand. In addition, PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) and Abbott Laboratories (ABT) will report, giving updates on consumer and health trends.
On Friday, April 17, a group of regional banks will report, including Truist Financial Corporation (TFC), Regions Financial Corporation (RF), and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB). These results will help show how smaller lenders are handling rates and credit risk.
Ex-Dividend Dates This Week
Several large firms across sectors will trade ex-dividend during the week, with a mix of steady yields and near-term payouts.
On Monday, April 13, Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) will trade ex-dividend with a $0.29 payout due next month. Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESLT) will offer $0.83 in about 15 days, while GFL Environmental Inc. (GFL) will pay $0.02 in about 18 days. In addition, Zurich Insurance Group AG (ZURVY) will offer $1.22.
On Tuesday, April 14, American Tower Corporation (AMT) will trade ex-dividend with a $1.79 payout due in about 16 days. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (PNC) will offer $1.70 in about 23 days, while Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RAIFF) will pay $1.36 in about five days.
On Wednesday, April 15, AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) will trade ex-dividend with a $1.73 payout due next month. Abbott Laboratories (ABT) will offer $0.63, while Freeport McMoRan Inc. (FCX) will pay $0.15 in about 19 days. In addition, Mid America Apartment Communities Inc. (MAA) will offer $1.53 per share.
On Thursday, April 16, EOG Resources Inc. (EOG) will trade ex-dividend with a $1.02 payout due in about 18 days. EMCOR Group Inc. (EME) will offer $0.40, while RPM International Inc. (RPM) will pay $0.54 in about 18 days.
On Friday, April 17, Diageo plc (DEO) will trade ex-dividend, with a $0.76 payout due in about two months. Healthpeak Properties Inc. (DOC) will offer $0.10 in about 18 days, while ING Groep N.V. (ING) will pay $0.75 in about 19 days. London Stock Exchange Group plc (LDNXF) will also offer $1.38 next month.