Markets capped a volatile week with a decisive shift toward risk-on...
Markets capped a volatile week with a decisive shift toward risk-on sentiment, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and a sharp decline in oil prices following the reopening of a critical global energy corridor.
Weekly Market Recap—Read for Free
Markets surged as easing geopolitical tensions drove a sharp drop in crude, boosting sentiment and pushing major indexes to record highs.
Investor sentiment flipped rapidly from fear to greed, closely tracking oil’s decline, while falling inflation expectations revived hopes for rate cuts and supported growth-oriented sectors.
A busy earnings week ahead and ongoing geopolitical negotiations will be key, with sustained energy flow normalization critical to maintaining bullish momentum and supporting further market upside.
The Alpha Picks portfolio reached a new record high this week, and is currently +341% vs. the S&P 500's +88% since launch in 2022.* Discover how it works »
Investor Sentiment Moved From 'Extreme Fear' to 'Greed' in 10 Days
Source: CNN Fear & Greed Index, April 17, 2026
Oil Prices Plunge, Stocks Gain on Strait Opening News
Markets surged this week as a pivotal geopolitical development reshaped investor sentiment. The announced reopening of the Strait of Hormuz marked a major step toward de-escalation in the Middle East, with ongoing negotiations fueling optimism that a broader resolution may be closer than previously expected. The immediate impact was most visible in energy markets, where oil prices plunged roughly 14% intraday, briefly nearing $80 per barrel, down sharply from nearly $120 just ten days ago at peak tensions.
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- Steven Cress and the Seeking Alpha Quant Team
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*Performance between July 1, 2022 and April 17, 2026.
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