Thursday, April 16th, 2026
U.S. pre-market futures show a positive trend with the Dow up 88 points (+0.18%) and both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching new all-time highs. This comes amid optimism about a potential resolution regarding the war in Iran.
Jobless Claims Update
Initial jobless claims for the week were reported at 207,000, lower than expected and reflecting levels not seen since January 2024. Continuing claims rose slightly to 1.818 million, down from a multi-year low of 1.787 million. Notably, significant layoffs in 2026 include nearly 16,000 jobs cut by Meta Platforms and 20,000 by Citigroup this year.
Philly Fed Manufacturing Index
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s manufacturing index improved significantly to +26.7 in April, surpassing the expected +12 and marking the strongest reading in nearly 18 months. This is the fourth consecutive month of positive results, indicating sustained growth in the region’s manufacturing sector.
