Earnings Season, Middle East Truce Talks, Gain Favor

U.S. markets opened mixed as tech led gains while blue chips lagged. The US Tech 100 (Nasdaq proxy) outperformed, rising about 315 points (+1.17%) on strong Q1 reports in the sector, while the Dow (Wall Street 30) was down roughly 70 points (-0.14%). S&P 500 and small-cap benchmarks were modestly higher. Corporate earnings remained a market driver: Procter & Gamble and SLB beat estimates, and major earnings from Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft next week are expected to further influence sentiment. Geopolitical developments (possible cease-fire talks, Strait of Hormuz closure) and weak consumer sentiment (University of Michigan print) add uncertainty. Key macro catalysts this week include the FOMC decision (no rate move priced in) and PCE inflation data — both likely to shape near-term market direction.