The S&P 500 Index rose by 0.19% and the Nasdaq 100 increased by 0.50% on April 6, 2026, amid a backdrop of potential diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight decline of 0.04%. Crude oil prices dropped over 1% as US and Israeli military activity in the region continued, with reports suggesting a possible 45-day ceasefire being negotiated among the US, Iran, and regional mediators.
In US labor market news, March nonfarm payrolls increased by 178,000, surpassing expectations of 65,000, marking the largest gain in 15 months. The unemployment rate also unexpectedly fell to 4.3% from 4.4%, fueling stock market gains following the Good Friday holiday.
While markets were generally positive, interest rates on June 10-year T-notes fell slightly, reflecting decreased demand for safe-haven assets as stocks gained traction. Globally, European markets remained closed for Easter Monday, and Asian markets showed mixed results, with Japan’s Nikkei closing up by 0.55%.
