Stock Market Recap for Thursday, April 23, 2026

The major U.S. stock indexes ended **lower** today, **April 23, 2026**, as **technology** shares led the decline and **oil prices** continued their relentless climb toward the **$100 per barrel** mark. The **Nasdaq** underperformed, falling nearly **0.9%**, while the **Dow** and **Russell 2000** showed relative resilience. Investors remained skittish ahead of key **inflation data** due **tomorrow**, with the **VIX** edging higher as **hedging activity** increased. **Crude oil** surged another **3.87%** to **$96.56**, fueling concerns about **sticky inflation** and its potential impact on **consumer spending** and **corporate margins**. On the **geopolitical front**, reports indicate that indirect talks between the **U.S. and Iran** have collapsed, raising fears of a potential more direct confrontation in the **Strait of Hormuz**. The **S&P 500** fell **0.41%** (**-29.50 points**) to close at **7,108.40**, the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** dropped **0.36%** (**-179.71 points**) to close at **49,310.32**, the **Nasdaq Composite** slid **0.89%** (**-219.06 points**) to close at **24,438.50**, the **Russell 2000** fell **0.37%** to **2,775.10**. The **VIX** rose **1.17%** to **19.14**. **Bitcoin** fell **0.94%** to **$77,725.39**. **Gold** slipped **0.81%** to **$4,714.60**. **Crude oil** surged **3.87%** to **$96.56** per barrel. In dollar terms, the broader market shed an estimated **$150–180 billion** in value.