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Week In Perspective | Stocks Rise on Hopes of Middle East Calm [6-April-26]
Melissa N. Osika, MBA
Updated: 6-April-2026
The Week on Wall Street
Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 4.44 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 2.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 2.59 percent over the four trading days through last Thursday.1
Stocks Rebound
Stocks were under pressure to start the week. Investors looked past comments from Fed Chair Powell that inflation expectations "appear to be well anchored beyond the short term" despite concerns over the Middle East conflict's potential inflationary effects.2,3
However, sentiment shifted on Tuesday with stocks closing out Q1 on a high note, reflecting renewed investor hope for an end to the conflict. The S&P 500 posted its best day since May of last year.4
Momentum continued into Wednesday, with comments from the White House that gave investors more confidence that a resolution was coming. A stronger-than-expected retail sales report also buoyed enthusiasm.
Stocks dipped but then rallied on Thursday, ending the session with a slight gain and helping stock prices break a 5-week losing streak.5,6
Jobs Update
U.S. stock markets were closed on Friday, but investors were on the lookout for the March jobs report.
Employers added 178,000 jobs in March, an unexpected increase that marked the best month in over a year. Economists expected a gain of 59,000 jobs. Unemployment fell to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent in February.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Durable Goods (Feb). Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Consumer Credit (Feb).
Wednesday: FOMC March meeting minutes released.
Thursday: Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index (Feb). Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), second revision. Weekly Jobless Claims. Wholesale Inventories (Feb).
Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Factory Orders (Feb). Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: April 3, 2026.The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Wednesday: Delta Airlines, Inc. (DAL)
Source: Zacks, April 3, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
- https://www.wsj.com/market-data
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/29/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/30/powell-sees-inflation-outlook-in-check-no-wider-crisis-yet-in-private-credit.html
- https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-03-31-2026?mod=hp_lead_pos2
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/31/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/01/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
- https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/march-jobs-report-unemployment-dfd5d52f?mod=hp_lead_pos1