April 13, 2026 – Today’s Market News – IBM Falls After $17M Settlement as TSMC Eyes $17.1B Profit on AI Demand.

April 13, 2026 Centrino Capital

Oil Surge and Geopolitical Tensions Keep Markets Cautious Despite Mixed Equity Moves.

Global markets weakened as rising Treasury yields pushed investors out of growth stocks, dragging tech-heavy indices lower. Oil rebounded at $95.20/bbl,. The Hungarian forint strengthened sharply, and overall sentiment turned more defensive amid macro uncertainty.

Today’s Snapshot

• TAIEX: 35,417.83 (+0.11%)
• Nasdaq Composite: 22,822.42 (+0.35%)
• S&P 500: 6,824.66 (-0.11%)
• Gold: $4,748.18/ oz (-0.43%)
• Brent Crude: $95.20 (+6.68%)

Global Markets

Gold: $4,748.18/ oz (-0.43%)

Gold prices slipped to a near one-week low, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar. At the same time, a sharp rise in oil prices following stalled U.S.-Iran talks raised inflation concerns, reducing expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.

(B) Energy

Brent Crude: $95.20 (+6.68%)

Oil prices surged as geopolitical tensions escalated following failed U.S.-Iran negotiations, with Donald Trump signaling that the U.S. Navy would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz.

This raised the risk of disruptions to up to 2 million barrels per day of Iranian-linked oil flows through a key global shipping route.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that U.S. forces will implement a blockade on all shipping to and from Iranian ports beginning Monday at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT).

(C) FX

USD/HUF: 361.20 (-1.60%)

The Hungarian forint surged to multi-year highs, gaining around 2% against the euro and 1.6% versus the dollar, following the election defeat of Viktor Orbán.

This shift could help unlock around €18 billion in frozen EU funds, improving the country’s economic outlook and supporting the currency.

(D) Stock Market - What Happened Today

U.S Equities

Nasdaq Composite: 22,822.42 (+0.35%)

S&P 500: 6,824.66 (-0.11%)

U.S. markets were mixed, with the Nasdaq edging higher on continued strength in tech, while the S&P 500 slipped slightly as broader market sentiment remained cautious.

IBM | NYSE: IBM | -2.71% ▼

IBM fell after agreeing to pay $17 million to settle a U.S. investigation into its diversity and hiring practices.

As per Reuters, The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said IBM adjusted employee bonuses based on diversity goals, such as hiring or promoting more people from certain groups.

The settlement also said IBM has changed or stopped some of its policies, but the company stated that it did not do anything illegal.

Taiwan

TAIEX: 35,417.83 (+0.11%)

TSMC | NYSE: TSM | +1.40% ▲

TSMC rose as strong AI chip demand continued to support growth, with the company expected to report a fourth straight quarter of record profits. Analysts estimate quarterly net profit at around $17.1 billion.

While tensions in the Middle East risk disrupting key chip-making materials like helium and neon, TSMC is seen as well-positioned to manage supply challenges and maintain production.

Volatility & Positioning

VIX closed at 18.63, indicating cautious market conditions with investors beginning to hedge risks.

What Traders Are Watching

U.S. inflation data – Critical for shaping Federal Reserve rate expectations and bond yields.
Federal Reserve communication – Any shift in policy tone could drive equity and FX markets.
Oil price stability – Geopolitical risks and supply dynamics will influence inflation expectations and energy stocks.

Last Available Market News – April 9, 2026

Markets were mixed as U.S. equities rallied strongly while China lagged. Gold gained on safe-haven demand amid rising geopolitical tensions, while oil remained volatile due to Middle East risks, keeping overall investor sentiment cautious.

Catch up on: Markets Rally Hard: Nasdaq +2.8%, Gold +1.2% as Middle East Risks Intensify.

Sources

Disclaimer:

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