It’s the Quietest Day of the Year for the Stock Market Despite Iran War Noise

U.S. stocks eked out modest gains on a thin, low-conviction session as traders held back ahead of a geopolitical deadline. Trading volume on major exchanges fell to 14.24 billion shares—the lowest day since Dec. 31—well below this year’s daily average of 18.79 billion. Volume through 3 p.m. was just 10.5 billion versus an average near 14 billion, reflecting light participation as some international markets observed the Easter Monday holiday. The market’s muted advance came amid heightened focus on President Trump’s upcoming Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, leaving investors in a wait-and-see mode and limiting directional conviction for the S&P 500.