News

US Stock Market Live Update: US stocks edged higher on Friday after reports signalled a potential thaw in geopolitical tensions, with talks between the United States and Iran likely to take place in Pakistan.The S&P 500 rose 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.6%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 160 points, or 0.3%, reflecting a mixed market mood.According to AP, citing a Pakistani government official, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday evening, with US-Iran negotiations likely to follow.The development weighed on oil prices, cooling the recent rally, with West Texas Intermediate futures hovering above $95 per barrel and Brent crude trading above $105.The optimism also comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following talks at the White House.Besides this, the US Department of Justice on Friday dropped its criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell over a renovation project at its Washington headquarters.US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the probe was being closed as the Fed’s Inspector General reviews cost overruns tied to the project, adding the investigation could be reopened if warranted.A classic diversified portfolio championed by Bank of America is having its best year since 1933, highlighting the return of broad-based gains across asset classes.The traditional 25/25/25/25 allocation, evenly split between stocks, bonds, cash, and commodities, is tracking a 26% gain this year, according to data shared by market commentator Mike Zaccardi.The strong performance reflects a rare environment where growth, defensive assets, liquidity, and commodities are all contributing, rather than a single dominant trade.The trend underscores a broader shift in markets, with diversification working again after years of concentrated equity-driven returns.Consumer sentiment remained near record-low levels in April, despite a modest rebound, according to the University of Michigan survey.The Survey of Consumers index came in at 49.8, above the preliminary reading of 47.6 and slightly ahead of expectations, but still marking the lowest level on record.The reading was down 6.6% from the previous month and 4.6% from a year ago, highlighting continued weakness in consumer confidence.Survey director Joanne Hsu said sentiment improved slightly after a ceasefire and softer gas prices, though near-term inflation expectations remain elevated at 4.7%.The US Department of Justice on Friday dropped its criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell over a renovation project at its Washington headquarters.US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the probe was being closed as the Fed’s Inspector General reviews cost overruns tied to the project, adding the investigation could be reopened if warranted.The Inspector General has previously reviewed the project and found no wrongdoing, but is now conducting another examination following renewed scrutiny.The move also clears the path for Kevin Warsh, nominated by Donald Trump, to move closer to a Senate confirmation vote to lead the central bank.US stocks opened higher on Friday, with major indices starting the session on a positive note.The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 43 points, or 0.1%.The move comes as oil prices pulled back after a recent rally. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1% to trade above $94 per barrel, while Brent crude slipped 0.7% to hover above $104.An unusual trend is unfolding in markets, with the S&P 500 rising to record highs even as the Cboe Volatility Index, Wall Street’s “fear gauge”, also moves higher.Typically, the VIX falls when stocks rise, but this rare “VIX-up, stocks-up” setup suggests investors are increasingly hedging against risks despite the rally.One likely explanation is lingering uncertainty around geopolitical tensions and oil prices, prompting traders to buy protection even as equities climb.If this pattern persists, it could signal caution ahead, with the potential for near-term pullbacks as market volatility catches up with elevated expectations.Oil prices moved lower on signs of potential diplomatic progress, easing geopolitical risk premium. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1% to trade above $94 per barrel, while Brent crude slipped 0.7% to hover above $104.Reports said Seyed Abbas Araghchi is set to arrive in Islamabad for possible peace talks with the US. The development raised hopes of de-escalation, weighing on crude prices.NewsLive TVMarketPopular CategoriesCalculatorsTrending NowLet's Connect with CNBCTV 18Network 18 Group :©TV18 Broadcast Limited. All rights reserved.