Global markets rebound as Middle East talks hopes lift

Global stock markets broadly climbed back toward pre-conflict levels on April 15, 2026, as investors responded to signs that tensions in the Middle East could ease. Officials’ comments pointing to possible peace talks shifted attention away from immediate geopolitical risk and back toward company results and economic signals, helping power a wide rally across major equity benchmarks.

Energy prices stayed contained even as the security situation remained strained. Brent crude and WTI crude both held below $100 per barrel, trading around $96/bbl and $92/bbl, after President Trump said on April 14 that talks with Iran could resume. The move in oil came despite a U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that markets typically watch closely during regional conflict.

U.S. equities advanced on April 14 as the change in tone supported risk appetite. The Nasdaq rose 2% and the S&P 500 gained 1%, reflecting a rebound that investors linked to reduced fears of a further escalation. By April 15, Asian markets extended the upswing, with Japan’s Nikkei up 0.9% and South Korea’s KOSPI jumping 3%, while European stocks and U.S. futures were largely flat.

Broader gauges also pointed to improving sentiment. The MSCI all-country index excluding U.S. stocks reached its highest level since March 2, and the VIX volatility index moved back to levels last seen in February. In currency markets, the dollar—often treated as a haven during periods of stress—continued to weaken, nearing its lowest point since the conflict began.

Company earnings added to the constructive tone by reinforcing the idea that corporate performance remains resilient even amid geopolitical uncertainty. U.S. banks including JPMorgan and Citi reported first-quarter profits that beat expectations, supported by strong trading revenues. In Europe’s technology supply chain, ASML exceeded earnings forecasts and lifted its 2026 revenue outlook, pointing to stronger demand tied to artificial intelligence.

Not all signals were supportive. The IMF cut its global growth forecasts on April 14 and warned that a worsening Iran conflict could raise the risk of a global recession. With markets balancing improving diplomacy headlines against ongoing military constraints such as the Strait of Hormuz blockade, investors are still navigating uncertainty around how quickly conditions could change.