Markets Gear Up for Fed Meeting and Big Tech Earnings After S&P 500's Fourth Weekly Gain

Investors enter a high-stakes week with the FOMC decision on April 29 and earnings from Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, following the S&P 500's 1.6% Friday rise and fourth straight weekly gain alongside the Nasdaq. U.S. equity benchmarks hit fresh highs driven by tech and chip stocks like Intel, while energy names remain volatile amid U.S.-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz concerns. The Fed is expected to hold rates at 3.50%-3.75%, but Powell's press conference could hint at future cuts, potentially fueling outsized moves in the ongoing rally.