Stocks climb as oil retreats and tensions moderate

Market Commentary

US stocks hit fresh records on Tuesday as easing energy prices tempered inflation fears. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both rose 0.70% to new peaks, while the Dow advanced 0.50%. Oil prices softened after US-Iran-UAE strikes left Iranian energy assets untouched, easing fears of a supply shock for importers. Elevated costs, together with strong March 2026 JOLTS data and ISM readings showing firmer prices had earlier reinforced expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes. Fresh figures later showed the ISM Services PMI moderating, while job openings came in slightly above forecasts.

Among individual movers, Intel surged 14% on reports that it may secure Apple chip orders, while Amazon gained on the back of logistics expansion. Palantir fell 3% after missing guidance expectations and AMD slipped ahead of its results. The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.42%, trimming Monday’s spike as oil prices dropped nearly 4%.

European stocks also closed sharply higher on Tuesday, supported by lower energy prices and upbeat corporate earnings. The Eurozone’s STOXX 50 climbed 1.80% to 5 870, while the broader STOXX 600 gained 0.70%. Industrial heavyweights led the move as weaker oil and gas prices offered some relief to Europe’s import-dependent economy. Siemens, Schneider Electric and Siemens Energy each rose by between 3% and 5%.

AB InBev surged nearly 10% after beating first-quarter earnings expectations and delivering its first sales growth in around three years. UniCredit jumped almost 7% after reporting stronger profits, lifting full-year guidance and unveiling plans to increase its stake in Commerzbank.

WTI crude futures tumbled as much as 4% to below $102 a barrel, reversing Monday’s gains after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite recent UAE strikes. He said the Strait of Hormuz remains open, noting that two US commercial vessels passed safely under military escort. The latest developments underline the ongoing US-Iran stalemate, with little progress towards renewed talks as Tehran continues to demand that Washington lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Precious metals also moved higher, with gold up nearly 1% at $4 561.21 per ounce. Silver and platinum rose 0.59% and 0.71%, respectively.

Asian equities ended mixed, as technology-led gains in parts of the region were offset by caution over rising Middle East tensions. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.38%, Shanghai added 0.13%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell more than 0.80%. Overall sentiment remained fragile as investors monitored the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of further energy-price volatility, while chip and other growth stocks continued to support selected markets.

South African markets also finished mixed after Monday’s decline. The JSE All Share Index and the Top 40 each rose 0.31%, while Resources gained 0.73%. Financial 15 and the JSE SAPI, however, fell 0.22% and 0.53%, respectively.