Trading Insights & Market Analysis

Richard Smith • Apr 15, 2026

Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Sparks Relief Rally, Sending S&P 500 Toward Record Highs

A temporary two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, including reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has sparked relief rallies across global markets, with the S&P 500 up over 1% on April 14 nearing its January record of ~7,002, Nasdaq gaining for 9-10 straight sessions, and oil plunging 15% in its biggest drop since 2020 as supply fears ease.

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Richard Smith • Apr 08, 2026

Oil plunges on 2-week ceasefire

WTI crude futures plunged more than 15% to below $95 per barrel on Wednesday after President Donald Trump delayed his threat to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure by two weeks in what he described as a “double-sided ceasefire,” contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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Richard Smith • Apr 08, 2026

Nvidia Stock Just Presented Investors With a Once-in-a-Decade Buying Opportunity

The S&P 500 index has plunged almost 9% from its January all-time high amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. With oil prices soaring, Wall Street is worried about a slowdown in the U.S. economy and in corporate earnings.

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Richard Smith • Apr 08, 2026

Swiss banks to test use cases for Swiss franc stablecoin

ZURICH, April 8 - Six Swiss banks have joined ‌forces to test potential ‌use cases for a Swiss franc stablecoin ​in Switzerland, banking giant UBS said on Wednesday.

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Richard Smith • Apr 08, 2026

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures surge on news of a two-week ceasefire

US stock futures pushed higher Monday morning as markets reacted to news of a two-week ceasefire between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran, announced by Trump via Truth Social.

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Richard Smith • Apr 08, 2026

Gold Jumps on 2-Week Ceasefire

Gold jumped more than 2% to above $4,800 per ounce on Wednesday, extending recent gains after President Donald Trump delayed his planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure by two weeks to finalize talks on a potential resolution to the war.

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Richard Smith • Apr 08, 2026

Brent crude oil prices

The big picture: The agreement is subject to Iran to allowing "complete" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said.

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Richard Smith • Apr 07, 2026

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures fall as Trump deadline for Iran deal nears

US stock futures slid on Tuesday as investors braced for President Trump's upcoming deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes to destroy key infrastructure.

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Richard Smith • Apr 07, 2026

US gas prices risk topping $5 per gallon if Strait of Hormuz stays closed: JPMorgan

Gasoline prices could hit $5 per gallon nationwide if traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a focal point of the Iran war, remains effectively at a standstill for much longer.

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Richard Smith • Apr 07, 2026

Gold Pressured as US-Iran in Focus

Gold traded around $4,650 per ounce on Tuesday after falling for two straight sessions, remaining under pressure as investors focused on President Donald Trump’s threat to target Iranian civilian infrastructure unless his demands are met, heightening concerns about the economic impact of a prolonged conflict.

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