US stock markets experienced gains on Easter Monday. By the end of trading in New York, the Dow Jones index was calculated at 46,669 points, representing a 0.4 percent increase compared to the previous trading day. Shortly before, the broader S&P 500 was up 0.4 percent, reaching approximately 6,610 points, while the Nasdaq technology exchange measured the Nasdaq 100 at about 24,190 points, up 0.6 percent. The positive sentiment on Wall Street appeared to be driven by recent reports of indirect negotiations between the US and Tehran regarding the Iran conflict and proposals for a ceasefire. However, these efforts have reportedly been rejected by both sides so far, and US President Donald Trump recently threatened massive attacks on Iranian infrastructure starting Wednesday. Consequently, the investors’ optimism may be built on shaky ground. In other market movements, the European common currency was slightly stronger on Monday evening; one Euro cost $1.1544, meaning a Dollar could be bought for 0.8663 Euros. Gold prices were weaker, with a fine ounce trading at $4,655 by the evening, marking a 0.5 percent decline. This equates to a price of €129.65 per gram. Meanwhile, oil prices rose: a barrel of Brent North Sea grade cost $109.60 around 10 PM Central European Time on Monday, which was 53 cents, or 0.5 percent, higher than at the close of the previous trading day.
Hope for End of War Boosts US Stock Market Gains
