FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

$CCL

13 stories mentioning CCL

Every FINWIRES story that references CCL, newest first.

Sectors

Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Rise Pre-Bell Tuesday

Consumer stocks rose pre-bell Tuesday, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) marginally up and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) 0.7% higher.United Natural Foods (UNFI) stock was down more than 13% after the company reported a decline in fiscal Q3 net sales, also missing analysts' expectations.Carnival (CCL) deployed Konami Gaming's Synkros casino management system across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, Konami said. Carnival shares were up more than 1% premarket.Academy Sports and Outdoors (ASO) stock was up more than 3% after the company posted higher fiscal Q1 adjusted earnings and net sales, and raised its fiscal 2026 outlook.

$ASO$CCL$UNFI$XLP$XLY
Commodities

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Higher Pre-Bell Tuesday Amid Inflation Data

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.4% and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) advanced 0.9% in Tuesday's premarket activity, amid key inflation data releasing this week.US stock futures were also higher, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.5%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures advancing 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.8% before the start of regular trading.The US trade deficit narrowed to $55.9 billion in April from $56.6 billion in March, coming in slightly below economists' expectations of a $56.1 billion gap.The existing home sales data for May and the wholesale inventory data for April will be released at 10:00 am ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was down by 1.2%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 1% lower, Ether ETF (EETH) retreated by less than 1%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) was flat.Power Play:IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.05%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) retreated by 0.8% and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was 0.9% higher.CECO Environmental (CECO) stock was up more than 10% before market open after the company said it now expects 2026 revenue of about $1.28 billion to $1.38 billion from its acquisition of Thermon Group, up from $940 million to $1 billion it projected previously.Winners and Losers:Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.5%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was up 0.3%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) was flat. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was 0.9% higher.IDEAYA Biosciences (IDYA) stock was down more than 7% premarket after the company said late Monday it priced an underwritten public offering expected to raise about $300 million in gross proceeds.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) advanced 0.2%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.7%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 0.7% lower.UBS Group (UBS) shares were up more than 2% pre-bell after Reuters reported that Swiss lawmakers are considering proposals that would reduce the capital burden facing UBS under planned banking reforms introduced after the collapse of Credit Suisse.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) advanced 1.3%, and the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 1.1% higher, while the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 1.5%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) increased by 2.6%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) rose by 2.5%.Cipher Digital (CIFR) shares were up more than 3% in premarket activity, following a 8.2% rise at the prior close. The company said late Monday that its Stingray Compute unit has priced an $810 million private offering of 6.0% senior secured notes due 2031 at 99.75% of face value.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was down 0.1% and the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) was up 0.1%. The iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) retreated by 0.3%. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) advanced 0.4%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) increased by 0.7%, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was 0.5% higher.Carnival (CCL) shares were up more than 1% pre-bell after the company deployed Konami Gaming's Synkros casino management system across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was down 0.9%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) retreated by 0.5%.Uranium Energy (UEC) stock was down more than 4% before the opening bell after the company reported a wider fiscal Q3 net loss.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil retreated by 1.9% to $89.57 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was up 0.8% to $3.17 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) lost 2%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.1% higher.Gold futures for July advanced by 0.1% to $4,365.80 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures fell by 0.2% to $68.48 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) was up by 0.3%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) increased by 0.7%.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$BETH$BITO$CCL$CECO$CIFR$EEM$EETH$EXI$FAS$FAZ$GLD$IBB$IDYA$IGM$IGV$IPK$IVV$IWM$IYE$IYH$IYJ$IYK$IYW$PMR$QQQ$RTH$SLV$SOXX$SPY$UBS$UEC$UNG$USO$VDC$VHT$VIS$XLE$XLF$XLI$XLK$XLP$XLV$XLY$XRT$XSD
Research

Loop Capital Initiates Carnival at Buy With $36 Price Target

Carnival (CCL) has an average rating of buy and mean price target of $34.06, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)

$CCL
Equity Markets Rebound Following Fed Minutes; Yields Tumble
US Markets

Equity Markets Rebound Following Fed Minutes; Yields Tumble

US stocks rebounded Wednesday as traders parsed minutes of the Federal Reserve's latest monetary policy meeting, while Treasury yields slid.The Nasdaq Composite rose 1.5% to 26,270.4, while the S&P 500 advanced 1.1% to 7,433, both rising after a three-day fall. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.3% to 50,009.4. Most sectors ended in the green, led by consumer discretionary, while energy saw the biggest drop.Fed officials flagged the possibility of higher interest rates if the Middle East conflict drags on and keeps inflation above the 2% goal, minutes from the central bank's April meeting showed.Meeting participants generally determined that elevated inflation, combined with uncertainty around the duration and impact of the Iran war, could justify holding rates for longer than previously anticipated, the meeting minutes showed.However, majority of Fed officials pointed out "that some policy firming would likely become appropriate if inflation were to continue to run persistently above 2%.""The discussion at the April meeting suggests the (Federal Open Market Committee) is becoming increasingly worried about the inflation outlook," Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said in a report. "While it is in no rush to raise rates, that possibility will only grow if inflation remains stubbornly high."Treasury yields plunged in Wednesday late-afternoon trade, with the 10-year yield rate declining 9.6 basis points to 4.58% and the two-year rate retreating 7.4 basis points to 4.05%.Bond yields have surged amid mounting concerns about inflation. Higher yields drove a sell-off in stocks on Tuesday, according to Macquarie."The state of play now and following the end of earnings season, is that stock indexes are likely to remain sensitive to what happens to long-term yields," Macquarie said in note Wednesday. "Should yields go higher (for whatever reason), stocks will slip further."West Texas Intermediate crude oil was last down 5.5% at $98.47 a barrel, while Brent fell 5.6% to $105.03.US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran had reached the final stages, though he warned of further attacks if Tehran backs out, according to a Reuters report.Shares of airlines and cruise operators were notable gainers on Wednesday, with United Airlines (UAL) up 10%, the top gainer on S&P 500. Delta Air Lines (DAL) jumped 9.4%, among the best performers on the index, along with Carnival (CCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH).In other company news, Hasbro (HAS) reported a first-quarter operating loss for the consumer products division even as the toymaker delivered stronger-than-expected results at the consolidated level. The stock slid 8.8%, the worst performer on the S&P 500.Target (TGT) shares fell 3.9%, among the steepest declines on the S&P 500. The retailer lifted its full-year sales growth outlook as it recorded higher-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results.TJX (TJX) raised its full-year outlook after posting stronger-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results, with comparable sales rising across all segments. The stock climbed 5.6%.Gold was last up 0.8% at $4,549.30 per troy ounce, while silver rose 1.8% to $76.48 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$CCL$DAL$HAS$NCLH$NVDA$TGT$TJX$UAL
Wire

Carnival Finalizes Corporate Unification, Bermuda Move

Carnival Corp. (CCL) and Carnival plc said Thursday they completed the unification of their dual-listed structure under a single entity, Carnival Corp. Ltd., and shifted their place of incorporation to Bermuda from Panama.The move will create a single global share price, streamline governance and reporting, cut administrative costs, and may increase liquidity and index weighting, according to a statement.Existing Carnival Corp. shareholders now hold the same number of shares in Carnival Corp. Ltd., which continues to trade on the NYSE under CCL. Carnival plc shareholders received one share of Carnival Corp. Ltd. for each plc share held as of Tuesday.Price: $26.96, Change: $-0.57, Percent Change: -2.05%

$CCL
Wire

Carnival Shareholders Approve Single Company Structure, Redomiciliation

Carnival (CCL, CUK) said Monday that majority of its shareholders approved the proposal to simplify its dual-listed structure into a single company and the redomiciliation of Carnival Corporation to Bermuda from Panama.The company said it expects the proposed changes to become effective on May 7.Price: $28.69, Change: $-0.53, Percent Change: -1.81%

$CCL$CUK
US Markets

Nasdaq, S&P 500 Hit New Peaks as Iran Reopens Hormuz

The Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 notched new peaks on Friday after Iran announced a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices tumbling.The Nasdaq rose 1.5% to 24,468.5, while the S&P 500 added 1.2% to 7,126.1, notching record-high closing levels for the third straight day. The Nasdaq extended its advance to a 13th consecutive session, its longest winning streak since 1992, according to CNBC.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.8% to 49,447.9.Barring energy and utilities, all sectors were in the green, led by consumer discretionary's 2% jump.The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 saw their biggest weekly gains since May last year, rising 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively, this week. The Dow advanced 3.2% this week, the most since June.West Texas Intermediate crude oil sank 11% to $84.68 a barrel in Friday late-afternoon trade, while Brent lost 8.7% to $90.71."In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday in a post on the X platform.Vessels must move through a "coordinated route" announced by Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, Araghchi said.On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that seeks to pause hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. That was a key sticking point in peace negotiations between the US and Iran."Araghchi's statement represents a significant and unexpected diplomatic opening," Artem Abramov, deputy head of analysis at Rystad Energy, said in a note e-mailed to. "The Strait of Hormuz has been the single most consequential variable in global oil markets since the conflict escalated, and any credible signal that the chokepoint may reopen, even temporarily, is a market-moving development of the first order."Trump welcomed the reopening of the strait, though he said the US naval blockade of Iran's ports will continue until "our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.""The news that Iran will allow traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz could be an important turning point and the catalyst for upgrades to our economic forecasts, but not immediately," Oxford Economics said in a note. "The development increases the risk that a more lasting deal could be brokered, reducing the likelihood of extreme downside scenarios crystalizing."Shares of cruise line operators and airlines jumped, with Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) up 7.3%, the best performer on the S&P 500, followed United Airlines (UAL) and Carnival (CCL). Southwest Airlines (LUV) rose 5.1%.US Treasury yields were lower, with the 10-year rate down seven basis points at 4.25% and the two-year rate dropping 7.4 basis point to 3.71%.In company news, Netflix (NFLX) shares tumbled 9.7%, the third-worst performer on the S&P 500.The streaming giant late Thursday posted first-quarter revenue above Wall Street's estimates. However, the company disappointed investors by maintaining its margin outlook even though its cost base apparently would have benefited from its decision to walk away from a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), MoffettNathanson said in a note Friday.Gold was last up 1.3% at $4,871.10 per troy ounce, while silver gained 3.4% to $81.40 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$CCL$LUV$NFLX$RCL$UAL$WBD
Asia Markets

S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite Scale Peaks as Trump Sets Stage for Iran Deal Over Weekend

US equity indexes jumped, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite making all-time highs, and crude oil futures sank on Friday amid mounting expectations of an Iran peace deal over the weekend.The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.5% to 24,468.48, with the S&P 500 up 1.2% to 7,126.06, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher by 1.8% to 49,447.43.West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures plunged 11% to $84.68, and Brent crude futures plummeted 8.8% to $90.69.Bloomberg reported that President Donald Trump said Iran agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely and will not receive any frozen funds from the US. Axios reported Friday that the US could release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran turning over its stockpile of enriched uranium.Trump said in a phone interview on Friday that a deal to end the war is mostly complete, according to the Bloomberg news report. Talks over a lasting agreement will "probably" be held this weekend, the president was cited as saying. The US-Iran ceasefire ends next week, implying an extension to the truce may not be required.Earlier in the day, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire period."In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran," Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said in a post on X. The 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon came into force on Thursday.Trump also said Friday the US naval blockade will continue until a deal with Iran is "100% complete," CNN reported."The single war variable that has mattered for markets is whether oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz," according to a Stifel Securities research note. "This is why today's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is 'open to shipping' for the remainder of the ceasefire is significant."Most US Treasury yields dropped, with the 10-year down 6.5 basis points to 4.25% and the two-year slumped 7.8 basis points to 3.7% as falling crude oil prices damped inflation concerns. In precious metals, gold futures advanced 1.3% to $4,868.1 and silver futures jumped 3.2% to $81.24.All sectors except energy and utilities soared intraday. Consumer discretionary, industrials, and technology led the gainers.Airlines and cruise liners were the S&P 500's leaders. Royal Caribbean (RCL), United Airlines (UAL), and Carnival (CCL) led the outperformers, with gains of at least 7% each. Chevron (CVX), down 2.2%, was the Dow's worst performer.In company news, shares of Netflix (NFLX) slid 9.7%, among the worst performers on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, after the company released Q2 guidance late Thursday below market consensus. The streaming company also said that its chairman and co-founder, Reed Hastings, plans to step down when his term ends in June.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$CCL$CVX$NFLX$RCL$UAL
US Markets

Equities Rally Intraday, Oil Plunges After Iran Declares Hormuz Strait Open

US benchmark equity indexes advanced intraday, while oil prices slumped after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz "completely open" following a ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.9% at 49,507.9 after midday Friday. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.4% to 24,447.8, while the S&P 500 rose 1.2% to 7,126.6. The two indexes notched their second consecutive record-high closes in the previous session.Barring energy and utilities, all sectors were in the green intraday Friday, led by consumer discretionary's 2.7% jump.West Texas Intermediate crude oil sank 11% to $84.20 a barrel, while Brent lost 9% to $90.44."In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday in a post on the X platform.Vessels must move through a "coordinated route" announced by Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, Araghchi said.On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that seeks to pause hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. That was a key sticking point in peace negotiations between the US and Iran.Trump welcomed the reopening of the strait, though he said on Truth Social that the US naval blockade of Iran's ports will continue until "our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.""The news that Iran will allow traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz could be an important turning point and the catalyst for upgrades to our economic forecasts, but not immediately," Oxford Economics said in a note. "The development increases the risk that a more lasting deal could be brokered, reducing the likelihood of extreme downside scenarios crystalizing."A quarter-long closure of the strait will likely push US inflation higher by 0.6 percentage point this year, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas said in an article Friday.Shares of cruise line operators and airlines surged intraday, with Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) up 8.2%, the best performer on the S&P 500, followed by Carnival's (CCL) 7.8% gain. United Airlines (UAL) jumped 7.6%, while Southwest Airlines (LUV) climbed 6.5%, among the top gainers on the index.US Treasury yields were lower intraday, with the 10-year rate down 6.3 basis points at 4.25% and the two-year rate dropping 7.8 basis point to 3.69%.In company news, Netflix (NFLX) shares were down 10% intraday, the second-worst performer on the S&P 500.The streaming giant late Thursday posted first-quarter revenue above Wall Street's estimates. However, the company disappointed investors by maintaining its margin outlook even though its cost base apparently would have benefited from its decision to walk away from a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), MoffettNathanson said in a note Friday.Gold was up 1.5% at $4,881.40 per troy ounce, while silver gained 3.8% to $81.71 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$CCL$LUV$NFLX$RCL$UAL$WBD
Asia Markets

S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite Hit Records as Iran Reopens Hormuz Chokepoint for Ceasefire Period

US equity indexes jumped, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite making all-time highs, and crude oil futures sank in midday trading on Friday after Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire period.The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.6% to 24,505.1, with the S&P 500 up 1.5% to 7,144.2, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher by 2.3% to 49,700.3.West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures plunged 12% to $83.41, and Brent crude futures plummeted 10% to $89.06."In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran," Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon came into force on Thursday.US President Donald Trump said that the US naval blockade will continue until a deal with Iran is "100% complete," CNN reported. He expressed confidence that a deal will come soon, saying talks could happen this weekend. The US-Iran ceasefire ends next week.Meanwhile, the US and Iran are discussing a plan as part of their peace talks that would see the US release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran turning over its stockpile of enriched uranium, Axios reported Friday, citing two US officials and two additional sources briefed on the talks."The single war variable that has mattered for markets is whether oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz," according to a Stifel Securities research note. "This is why today's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is 'open to shipping' for the remainder of the ceasefire is significant."US Treasury yields sank, with the 10-year down 7.5 basis points to 4.23% and the two-year dropped 8.4 basis points to 3.69% as falling crude oil prices damped inflation concerns. In precious metals, gold futures advanced 1.8% to $4,894.5 and silver futures jumped 4.8% to $82.51.All sectors except energy and utilities soared intraday. Consumer discretionary, industrials, and technology led the gainers.Airlines and cruise liners were the S&P 500's leaders. Royal Caribbean (RCL), United Airlines (UAL), and Carnival (CCL) led the outperformers, with gains of at least 8.6% each. Chevron (CVX), down 3.3%, was the Dow's worst performer.In company news, shares of Netflix (NFLX) slid 9.6%, among the worst performers on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, after the company released Q2 guidance late Thursday below market consensus. The streaming company also said that its chairman and co-founder, Reed Hastings, plans to step down when his term ends in June.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$CCL$CVX$NFLX$RCL$UAL
Wire

UBS Adjusts Carnival Price Target to $35 From $38, Maintains Buy Rating

UBS Adjusts Carnival Price Target to $35 From $38, Maintains Buy Rating

$CCL
US Markets

Equities Mark Best Finish in At Least 4 Weeks Following US-Iran Truce

Equities on Wall Street rallied Wednesday, driving key indexes to their highest close in at least four weeks, as oil prices slid following a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.9% to 47,909.9, the highest close since March 5, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.8% to 22,635, its best finish since March 11.The S&P 500 advanced 2.5% to 6,782.8, marking the highest closing level since March 9.Barring energy's 3.7% decline, all sectors ended in the green, led by industrials' 3.8% advance.West Texas Intermediate crude oil was last down nearly 15% at $96.44 a barrel, while Brent futures tumbled about 12% to $96.40 -- though both benchmarks remained well above pre-conflict levels.US President Donald Trump, who had set an 8 pm ET, Tuesday, deadline for Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, agreed to suspend planned attacks on Iran for two weeks upon Pakistan's request. Tehran said it would allow "safe passage" through the key trading route, subject to coordination with Iranian authorities.However, reports about ceasefire violations signified the possible fragile nature of the pact.Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused the US of violating the ceasefire agreement.The White House said Iran assured that ships are transiting the Strait of Hormuz, despite reports that Tehran had again closed the waterway because of Israel's attacks on Lebanon, CNN reported.Separately, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reportedly said they were targeted with Iranian drones and missiles."The headlines may calm down first, but the real reset depends on what happens in the days ahead," Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Bank, said in a report.US Treasury yields were down, with the 10-year rate falling 5 basis points at 4.3% and the two-year rate dropping 4.1 basis points at 3.79%.Minutes from the Federal Reserve's March meeting showed that participants emphasized the need for the central bank to be "nimble" in adjusting monetary policy amid heightened macro risks."The vast majority of participants judged that upside risks to inflation and downside risks to employment were elevated, and the majority of participants noted that these risks had increased with developments in the Middle East," the minutes showed.Most policymakers were concerned that a prolonged war could soften labor market conditions, possibly warranting policy easing, according to the minutes. However, persistent inflation amid higher oil prices could call for rate increases."The conflicting viewpoints point to a period of policy stability," Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said in a report. "The Fed is on hold until it has greater clarity on the direction of the Iran war and its effects on the economy and inflation."Airline and cruise operator stocks jumped, with Carnival (CCL) up 11%, among the top gainers on the S&P 500. United Airlines (UAL) surged 7.8%. Southwest Airlines (LUV) and American Airlines (AAL) were also up, along with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL).In company news, Meta Platforms (META) shares jumped 6.5% after the tech giant unveiled its Muse Spark artificial intelligence model.Delta Air Lines (DAL) logged better-than-expected first-quarter results amid robust corporate and leisure demand. The air carrier's shares rose 3.8%.Exxon Mobil (XOM) expects its global oil-equivalent output to take a hit in the first quarter due to production disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Shares of the US oil giant fell 4.7%, while smaller rival Chevron (CVX) slumped 4.3%, the steepest decline on the Dow.Gold was last up 1.4% at $4,750.70 per troy ounce, while silver gained 3.4% to $74.44 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AAL$CCL$CVX$DAL$LUV$META$NCLH$RCL$UAL$XOM
US Markets

Equity Markets Jump Intraday, Oil Sinks Following US-Iran Ceasefire

US benchmark equity indexes rallied intraday, while oil prices slumped after Washington and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.The Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.9% to 22,651.5 after midday Wednesday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.6% to 47,803.5. The S&P 500 advanced 2.4% to 6,778.6. Barring energy's 4.6% decline, all sectors were in the green, led by a 3.9% rise in communication services.West Texas Intermediate crude oil sank 15% to $95.85 a barrel intraday, while Brent futures tumbled 13% to $95.40.US President Donald Trump, who had set an 8 pm ET, Tuesday, deadline for Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, agreed to suspend planned attacks on Iran for two weeks upon Pakistan's request. Tehran said it would allow "safe passage" through the key trading route, subject to coordination with Iranian authorities.However, reports about ceasefire violations signified the possible fragile nature of the pact."While markets are hailing the agreement as cause for celebration, it remains to be seen if the ceasefire will hold, and if flows resume through the Strait of Hormuz," Stifel said in a note.Iran halted oil tanker traffic through the waterway after Israel attacked Lebanon, CNN reported Wednesday, citing semi-official news agency Fars. Separately, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reportedly said they were targeted with Iranian drones and missiles.Airline and cruise operator stocks jumped intraday, with Carnival (CCL) up 11%, the top gainer on the S&P 500. United Airlines (UAL) surged 9.9%, among the best performers on the index. Southwest Airlines (LUV) and American Airlines (AAL) were also up sharply, along with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL).US Treasury yields were lower intraday, with the 10-year rate down 6.4 basis points at 4.28% and the two-year rate dropping six basis points to 3.77%.In company news, Meta Platforms (META) shares soared 7.9%, among the best performers on the S&P 500, after the tech giant unveiled its Muse Spark artificial intelligence model.Delta Air Lines (DAL) logged better-than-expected first-quarter results amid robust corporate and leisure demand. The air carrier's shares were up 5.8% intraday.Exxon Mobil (XOM) expects its global oil-equivalent output to take a hit in the first quarter due to production disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Shares of the US oil giant were down 5.9%, while smaller rival Chevron (CVX) fell 5.5%, the steepest decline on the Dow.Gold was up 1.7% at $4,764.70 per troy ounce, while silver gained 4.7% to $75.35 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AAL$CCL$CVX$DAL$LUV$META$NCLH$RCL$UAL$XOM