Wall Street experienced significant volatility on April 10th, with investors remaining cautious about inflation and geopolitical tensions, while the Nasdaq was supported by technology stocks.
The trading session on Wall Street on Friday, April 10th (Saturday morning, April 11th, Vietnam time) was marked by a fierce battle between major indices, reflecting investor caution in the face of a series of interconnected macroeconomic factors. However, the market closed its most positive week in months.
At closing, the S&P 500 slightly declined by 0.1% to 6,816.89 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 269.23 points, or 0.6%, to settle at 47,916.57 points. Conversely, the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.4% to 22,902.89 points, supported by technology stocks. The Russell 2000, an index of small-cap stocks, also declined by 0.2%, indicating a widespread correction in many sectors.
This contrasting trend clearly reflects the market’s divergence, with investors monitoring inflation data recently released and the complex signals from the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in March recorded its highest increase in over four years, mainly due to the surge in energy prices, especially gasoline, which rose by 21.2%, a level not seen in over sixty years. However, core inflation, an indicator that excludes food and energy prices, was lower than expected, somewhat alleviating pressure on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.
Nevertheless, the bond market reacted strongly to this data, with yields rising again and exerting pressure on rate-sensitive sectors such as financial and industrial stocks. This is also why the Dow Jones, which includes many traditional stocks, experienced a sharper decline than other indices.
Meanwhile, the technology sector continued to play a dominant role in the market. Semiconductor and major technology stocks benefited from positive growth outlooks and favorable first-quarter results, contributing to the Nasdaq’s upward momentum despite general uncertainty.
In addition to economic factors, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a major influence on investor sentiment. Initial signals of a possible resumption of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have sparked hopes of de-escalation, but many risks still persist.
A fragile two-week ceasefire may collapse due to ongoing violations, including Israeli airstrikes resuming in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a desire to engage in direct dialogue with Beirut, but the situation on the ground shows no clear signs of stabilization.
Iran has notably closed the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s primary oil shipping route, and imposed strict conditions for resuming negotiations, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and asset freezes. Previously, President Donald Trump also issued firm warnings, increasing pressure on global markets.
In this context, trading activity has become more cautious, especially with a long weekend approaching. According to Jed Ellerbroek, a portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management, investors are exercising restraint due to the possibility of unexpected developments after market close.
He noted that recent trends indicate the market often performs positively at the beginning of the week but weakens towards the end, with investors tending to reduce risks in the face of unpredictable events.
Liquidity remained low to average during the session, reflecting the hesitancy of many investors. The market is awaiting clearer signals from the macroeconomic environment and the upcoming release of first-quarter results.
Despite mixed performance on April 10th, the U.S. stock market recorded impressive gains for the week. The Nasdaq rose by approximately 4.7%, the S&P 500 by 3.6%, and the Dow Jones by 3%, marking their best weekly performances since last November. This indicates a significant improvement in investor sentiment after a period of unprecedented volatility.
However, since the beginning of 2026, the indices have not fully returned to a sustainable upward trend. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones remain slightly down, while the Nasdaq, although more positive, remains below its early-year levels, indicating that the market is still in a correction phase and seeking a new direction.
Experts believe that in the short term, the market will continue to be influenced by three main factors: inflation and Fed policy, the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East, and corporate earnings. Among these, any positive signals regarding inflation control or easing tensions could be significant catalysts.
Conversely, if energy prices continue to rise or conflicts escalate, the risk of a correction will be higher, especially as U.S. stock valuations remain high after years of growth.
Overall, the session on April 10th revealed a market in a “fragile balance,” where buying and selling forces are constantly at odds. The medium-term upward trend remains intact, but short-term volatility is expected to persist, prompting investors to exercise caution and flexibility in their trading strategies.
Source: Thoi Bao Ngan Hang
