Stock Market Today — Friday, April 24, 2026

Global markets are grappling with escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, driving crude oil prices significantly higher and fueling inflation concerns. This instability overshadows strong earnings reports from the technology sector, particularly in AI-related industries, as investors weigh economic resilience against supply chain disruptions. The ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz remains the primary catalyst for market volatility this morning.

Crude oil prices have surged above $105 for the fifth consecutive day, following reports of Iran firing on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This action exacerbates fears of a full closure of the critical shipping lane, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimating Persian Gulf oil supply is already 57% below pre-war levels. The market is bracing for further supply shocks and increased volatility in energy futures.

SK Hynix (000660.KS) reported a five-fold increase in quarterly profit, significantly exceeding expectations. The robust performance is attributed to insatiable demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, crucial components for artificial intelligence applications, highlighting the sustained strength in the semiconductor sector.

FICO (FICO) shares experienced a significant decline after Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHA announced they would begin accepting alternative credit scoring models. This move threatens FICO's long-standing dominance in the U.S. mortgage lending market and could reshape the credit assessment landscape.

Colombia's government is advancing a controversial plan to transfer $7 billion from private pension funds into the public system. This initiative, championed by President Petro's administration, has raised concerns among investors and financial institutions regarding potential market instability and the long-term implications for the country's financial sector.

U.S. transaction volumes surged by 27% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2026, indicating robust economic activity. This strong growth suggests underlying resilience in consumer spending and business investment, providing a counterpoint to the geopolitical headwinds impacting global markets.

What to Watch: The market will closely monitor any further developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil supply. Investor sentiment will also be shaped by ongoing discussions surrounding Colombia's pension reform. Additionally, the broader implications of FICO's challenged market position for financial services stocks will be a key focus.