Last week, stocks moved higher across the board as risk eased and oil prices fell. The Dow Jones (DJIA) rose 1.79% to 49,447, while the S&P 500 (SPX) gained 1.20% to 7,126. The Nasdaq (NDX) also added 1.29%, closing at 26,672. At the same time, the U.S. 10-year yield moved up to 4.25%.
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Trade IBM with leverageThis setup shows a firm market, with lower energy costs helping risk assets. Oil (CM:CL) fell 1.7% to $83, while gold (CM:XAUUSD) held near highs at $4,866. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) traded near $77,000, as the risk mood stayed strong.
Oil Drop Lifts Travel, but Hits Energy
First, lower oil prices gave a lift to travel firms. Airlines such as Alaska Air Group (ALK), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and United Airlines (UAL) moved higher. Cruise firms like Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Carnival (CCL) also gained.
On the other hand, energy stocks fell. Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), and Valero Energy (VLO) all fell as oil prices dropped. Chemical firms also declined, as their costs track energy prices.
At the same time, risk stayed in the air. Spirit Airlines (SAVE) may face liquidation, as fuel costs strain its recovery. In Europe, the IEA warned there “maybe six weeks” of jet fuel if flows do not hold. This shows that supply risk is still in the background.
Tech, AI, and Stock Moves
Meanwhile, tech and AI news stayed active. Anthropic launched a new tool called Claude Design, which can build slides and mockups. This move hit design firms, as Figma (FIG) shares fell on the news.
Netflix (NFLX) also stood out last week. The firm beat Q1 revenue, helped by a $2.8 billion fee, but gave weak Q2 guidance. It also said Reed Hastings will leave the board. Shares fell about 9% after hours.
In health care, Eli Lilly (LLY) reported strong data for its new oral drug. The firm said it plans a U.S. filing as it competes with Novo Nordisk (NVO) in the weight-loss space.
Elsewhere, SanDisk (SNDK) continued to rise after a sharp run over the past year. Some models still see value, though its sales multiple is high.
Another major story was Intel (INTC). The stock has surged close to 60% this month and is now near levels last seen in 2000. However, this move reflects hope for a turnaround that has not yet taken place.
The Week Ahead
Looking ahead, oil will stay the main focus. If flows through the Strait hold, prices may stay low and support stocks. If not, energy risk could return fast.
At the same time, bond yields will remain key. A move higher could weigh on tech and growth stocks.
In addition, AI will stay a core theme. New tools and rising spend continue to shape the sector and drive moves in tech shares.
Finally, macro risk is still in play. The IMF warned that U.S. debt could pass 125% of GDP, while global debt may reach 99% by 2028. It also noted that AI could help offset this by boosting growth and tax income.
For now, markets are moving up on lower oil and a strong risk mood. Still, supply risk, high debt, and rate pressure suggest that swings may return if conditions shift.
Upcoming Earnings and Ex-Dividend Announcements
The final full week of April brings a dense wave of earnings from industrial, tech, health, and finance firms. At the same time, a wide range of global names will trade ex-dividend, offering a mix of yield and near-term income. Investors will look for signs of demand, cost trends, and margin strength, while income-focused traders will track payout size and timing.
Earnings Preview
On Monday, April 20, AGNC Investment Corp. (AGNC) is set to report earnings of $0.36 per share on revenue of about $988.60 million. In addition, Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD) will report earnings of $2.79 per share on revenue near $5.08 billion, offering a read on industrial demand and steel pricing.
On Tuesday, April 21, a broad group of large firms will report. General Electric Company (GE) is expected to post earnings of $1.60 per share on revenue of about $10.71 billion. At the same time, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) will report $6.58 per share on revenue of nearly $109.43 billion, providing insight into health cost trends. RTX Corporation (RTX) is set to post $1.51 per share, while 3M Company (MMM) is expected to report $1.98 per share. In addition, Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) will report $2.12 per share, and United Airlines Holdings Inc. (UAL) is expected to post $1.08 per share, which may reflect travel demand.
On Wednesday, April 22, Tesla Inc. (TSLA) will report earnings of $0.36 per share on revenue of about $22.26 billion. AT&T Inc. (T) is expected to post $0.55 per share on revenue of nearly $31.25 billion. In the same way, Boeing Company (BA) will report a loss of $0.69 per share, while International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is set to post $1.81 per share. ServiceNow Inc. (NOW) and Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) will also report, offering a view on cloud and chip demand.
On Thursday, April 23, Intel Corporation (INTC) will report earnings of $0.01 per share on revenue of about $12.39 billion. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is expected to post $6.73 per share, while Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) will report $1.91 per share. In addition, NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE) and American Express Company (AXP) will report, giving updates on power demand and consumer spending.
On Friday, April 24, Procter and Gamble Company (PG) will report earnings of $1.56 per share on revenue of about $20.56 billion. Schlumberger Limited (SLB) is expected to post $0.52 per share on revenue near $8.65 billion. Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR) and HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) will also report, offering a read on media and health demand.
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 20, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) will trade ex-dividend with a $1.51 payout due next month. Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) will pay $0.53, while Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) will pay $0.53 in about 26 days. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBGYY) will offer $4.15 in about two days.
On Tuesday, April 21, Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL) will trade ex-dividend with a $0.63 payout due in about 12 days. Ferrari N.V. (RACE) will offer $4.25 in about 16 days, while Nestle SA (NSRGY) will pay up to $4.00 in about three days across share classes.
On Wednesday, April 22, Lowe’s Companies Inc. (LOW) will trade ex-dividend with a $1.20 payout due in about 17 days. Clorox Company (CLX) will offer $1.24, while APA Corporation (APA) will pay $0.25 next month. In addition, Airbus SE (EADSY) will offer $3.70 in about four days.
On Thursday, April 23, CVS Health Corporation (CVS) will trade ex-dividend with a $0.67 payout due in about 15 days. Royal Bank of Canada (RY) will offer $1.20 next month, while Banco Santander Brasil SA (BSBR) will pay $0.14 in about 29 days.
On Friday, April 24, Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR) will trade ex-dividend with a $0.19 payout due next month. Coca-Cola Bottling Co Consolidated (COKE) will offer $0.25 in about 19 days, while Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (RYCEY) will pay $0.07 in about two months.
Overall, the week ahead brings a strong mix of earnings across sectors and steady income events, which may guide both growth and yield-focused investors.