Trump Hints End of Iran War in Sight; ASML Raises Sales Forecast | Bloomberg Brief 4/15/2026

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 15, 2026 at 11:12  |  43:24  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Stephen Biggar — Senior Vice President, Moody's

Summary

The Bloomberg Brief discusses market optimism around a potential Iran peace deal and strong AI-driven demand for chip equipment like ASML. The program features analysis from JPMorgan's Jack Caffrey on broadening earnings growth beyond AI stocks and from Argus Research's Stephen Biggar on positive expectations for bank earnings, particularly Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, and a rebound in private credit firms. Key movers include Broadcom, GitLab, and quantum computing stocks on new AI partnerships and models.

  • President Trump hints the Iran war may be close to over, impacting oil prices and geopolitical risk.
  • ASML raises its sales forecast on surging global AI spending driving demand for its chipmaking machines.
  • JPMorgan's Jack Caffrey sees earnings accelerating broadly across the S&P 500, not just in AI-concentrated equities.
  • Argus Research's Stephen Biggar expects strong trading and investment banking results from Morgan Stanley and Bank of America.
  • Biggar also highlights Wells Fargo's plan to grow investment banking market share post-asset cap removal.
  • Private credit concerns are seen as overblown, with opportunities in firms like Apollo, KKR, and Blackstone.
  • Tech movers include Broadcom and GitLab on expanded AI partnerships, and quantum computing stocks on new Nvidia models.
  • Luxury stocks like Hermès are under pressure due to weaker demand linked to the Middle East conflict.
Trade Ideas
Jack Caffrey 27:40
Broad market earnings accelerating beyond AI stocks.
Earnings are further accelerating this year, with more material earnings gains happening away from the concentrated AI-related equities. The broader market (S&P 500) should benefit as companies find a way to drive profitability, supported by high nominal GDP growth and the ability to pass through surcharges (price hikes) despite inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
SPY HIGH
Stephen Biggar Senior Vice President, Moody's 36:07
Morgan Stanley poised for strong trading and IB.
Morgan Stanley tends to do quite well in trading and investment banking, benefiting from high market volatility and a surge in M&A and IPO activity. The capital markets have shown their ability to shine in this environment.
MS MED
Stephen Biggar Senior Vice President, Moody's 38:41
Wells Fargo to gain investment banking share.
Wells Fargo, now that the asset cap has been lifted, plans to grow investment banking market share over the next 3 to 5 years by engaging corporates with financing and growing its balance sheet, moving from an underdog position.
WFC MED
Stephen Biggar Senior Vice President, Moody's 39:53
Private credit firms oversold on overblown concerns.
Private credit concerns are overblown; bank exposure is limited and senior lending positions are strong. The recent weakness in names like Apollo, KKR, and Blackstone presents a buying opportunity as the fundamentals are better than the headlines suggest.
APO KKR BX MED
Up Next
48:49
Trump Says End To Iran War in Sight & Hermès Falls Most on Record | The Pulse 4/15
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 15
1:36:09
Iran War: Trump Says End to War in Sight, Spurring Market Rally | The Opening Trade 4/15/2026
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 15
46:28
US, Iran Seek Second Round of Talks & ASML Raises 2026 Sales Forecast | Daybreak Europe 4/15/2026
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 15
1:33:01
Xi Says China to Play Constructive Role in Middle East | The China Show 4/15/2026
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 15
3:05
AI Theme Beginning to Dominate Again: 3-Minutes MLIV
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 15

This Bloomberg Markets video, published April 15, 2026, features Jack Caffrey, Stephen Biggar discussing SPY, MS, WFC, APO, KKR, BX. 4 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Jack Caffrey, Stephen Biggar  · Tickers: SPY, MS, WFC, APO, KKR, BX