Last week, stocks pushed to new highs as risk stayed firm and tech led the move. The Dow Jones (DJIA) fell 0.16% to 49,230, while the S&P 500 (SPX) rose 0.80% to 7,165. The Nasdaq (NDX) gained 1.95% to 27,303. At the same time, the U.S. 10-year yield climbed to 4.31%, indicating that rate pressure remains in play.
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Forget margin or options. Here's how the pros trade AMZNMeanwhile, oil (CM:CL) held near $95 after a sharp rise tied to tension in the Strait of Hormuz. Gold (CM:XAUUSD) stayed firm near $4,721, while Bitcoin (BTC-USD) traded near $77,500 with a slight dip. Overall, this setup shows a strong risk-on mood, led by tech and chips, even as bond yields rise.
Commodities Prices
Intel Leads, While AI Spend Reshapes Big Tech
First, Intel Corporation (INTC) stood out as a major comeback story last week. The stock surged 23.6% in one day after strong earnings beat and firm outlook. It marked the best day for Intel since 1987 and pushed shares to a new high.
The rally adds to a huge monthly run, with the stock now up about 87% in April. This move reflects strong AI-driven demand, with CPUs still playing a core role in server systems. However, risks remain. As one note said, “there are market share pressures,” as rivals like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and new ARM-based (ARM) chips gain ground.
At the same time, Intel’s foundry unit still posted a loss of $2.44 billion in the quarter. Even so, the market is now pricing in a major turnaround, with high earnings multiples that reflect a strong belief in future growth.
Elsewhere in tech, Meta Platforms (META) plans to cut about 10% of staff, while Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is offering buyouts to about 7% of its U.S. team. Firms like Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Oracle (ORCL) have also trimmed roles in recent months. This trend shows a shift. Firms are cutting labor while raising spending on AI tools and data centers.
At the same time, Alphabet made a major move, with plans to invest up to $40 billion in Anthropic. This deal will expand cloud and chip use and deepen ties in AI.
In another key story, Apple (AAPL) said Tim Cook will move to the chairman role, while John Ternus will take the CEO role on Sept. 1. The firm stressed that its core plan for hardware and services will remain in place.
Meanwhile, legal risk in AI also came into view. Elon Musk’s case against OpenAI is set for trial, with a $134 billion claim tied to its shift to a for-profit model. This could have an impact on firms like Tesla (TSLA) and Microsoft.
Macro, Oil, and Policy in Focus
Beyond tech, macro news also shaped the week. The White House is weighing a $500 million loan for Spirit Airlines, which could give the U.S. a large stake after its filing. The plan may also use its fleet for troop travel.
In energy, oil rose on fresh tension with Iran, with Brent above $105 at one point. This kept focus on firms like Exxon Mobil (XOM), which tend to track crude moves.
Meanwhile, Fed policy stayed in focus. A key hearing for a new Fed chair left open questions on rate path and bank policy. This adds to a mix where yields rise, but stocks still push higher.
In health care, Eli Lilly (LLY) fell after weak early data on its new weight-loss pill. The drug saw about 3,700 scripts in week two, below the 8,000 that some had forecast. In contrast, Novo Nordisk (NVO) gained as its rival drug showed stronger early demand.
The Week Ahead
Looking ahead, Intel will stay in focus after its sharp move. The key question is whether strong AI demand can support its growth and offset share loss in CPUs.
At the same time, AI spend will remain a core theme. Big Tech is shifting costs from labor to computing, and this trend may drive both gains and cuts across the sector.
In addition, oil and geopolitics will matter. Any shift in Iran talks or Strait flows could move energy prices fast and impact risk.
Finally, bond yields will stay key. If rates keep rising, they may start to weigh on high-growth stocks.
For now, the market is driven by AI, strong tech earnings, and a steady risk mood. Still, high rates, policy risk, and global tension suggest that swings may return if conditions shift.
Upcoming Earnings and Ex-Dividend Announcements
The final days of April bring a heavy flow of earnings from tech, finance, and consumer firms. At the same time, a wide set of global names will trade ex-dividend, offering a mix of yield and near-term income. Investors will watch demand trends, cost pressure, and margin strength, while income-focused traders will track payout size and timing.
Earnings Preview
On Monday, April 27, Verizon Communications (VZ) is set to report earnings of $1.21 per share on revenue of about $34.82 billion. In addition, Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) will report $1.88 per share on revenue near $1.45 billion, which may give a read on chip design demand. Nucor Corporation (NUE) is also due to post $2.81 per share on revenue of about $8.88 billion, offering insight into steel demand. Domino’s Pizza (DPZ) will report $4.27 per share, while Public Storage (PSA) is expected to post $2.37 per share.
On Tuesday, April 28, Visa (V) will report earnings of $3.10 per share on revenue of about $10.75 billion, which may reflect global payment trends. Coca-Cola Company (KO) is set to post $0.81 per share on revenue near $12.24 billion. At the same time, Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) will report $0.42 per share, while General Motors (GM) is expected to post $2.60 per share on strong auto demand. In addition, Spotify Technology (SPOT) will report $3.46 per share, and United Parcel Service (UPS) is set to post $1.02 per share, offering a view on shipping demand.
On Wednesday, April 29, Amazon will report earnings of $1.63 per share on revenue of about $177.27 billion. Microsoft Corporation is expected to post $4.05 per share on revenue near $81.37 billion, which may reflect AI cloud demand. Alphabet (GOOGL) will report $2.63 per share, while Meta Platforms is set to post $6.69 per share. In the same way, Qualcomm (QCOM) will report $2.56 per share, and Ford Motor Company (F) is expected to post $0.18 per share.
On Thursday, April 30, Apple will report earnings of $1.95 per share on revenue of about $109.45 billion. Eli Lilly is set to post $6.84 per share on revenue near $17.64 billion, while Mastercard (MA) will report $4.41 per share. In addition, Caterpillar (CAT) is expected to post $4.65 per share, and McKesson (MCK) will report $8.65 per share, offering a read on health supply trends.
On Friday, May 1, Exxon Mobil will report earnings of $0.97 per share on revenue of about $81.13 billion. Chevron (CVX) is set to post $0.97 per share on revenue near $51.86 billion, which may reflect oil price trends. At the same time, Moderna (MRNA) will report a loss of $2.01 per share, while Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is expected to post $0.94 per share.
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 27, ASML Holding (ASML) will trade ex-dividend with a $3.18 payout due in about 9 days. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMUY) will offer $1.23 in about 19 days, while Bank of New York Mellon (BK) will pay $0.53 in about 12 days. In addition, EON SE (EONGY) will offer $0.67 in about eight days.
On Tuesday, April 28, Nokia (NOK) will trade ex-dividend with a $0.03 payout due in about 16 days. Bayer (BAYRY) will offer $0.02 in about 15 days, while Fastenal Company (FAST) will pay $0.24 next month. In addition, Carpenter Technology (CRS) will offer $0.20 next month.
On Wednesday, April 29, Constellation Brands (STZ) will trade ex dividend with a $1.03 payout due in about 18 days. Ecopetrol (EC) will offer $0.66 in about 11 days, while Bank of Montreal (BMO) will pay $1.22 next month. In the same way, West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) will offer $0.22 in about 10 days.
On Thursday, April 30, Realty Income (O) will trade ex-dividend with a $0.27 payout due in about 19 days. Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) will offer $0.55 in about 18 days, while Morgan Stanley (MS) will pay $1.00 in about 19 days. In addition, Citizens Financial Group (CFG) will offer $0.46 in about 18 days.
On Friday, May 1, Costco Wholesale (COST) will trade ex-dividend with a $1.47 payout due in about 19 days. Ally Financial (ALLY) will offer $0.30 in about 19 days, while Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) will pay $0.42 in about 19 days. In addition, Western Midstream Partners (WES) will offer $0.93 in about 19 days.
Overall, the week ahead brings a dense mix of earnings from major firms and steady income events across global markets, which may guide both growth and yield-focused investors.