US stocks extended their relief rally on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, with the S&P 500 finally closing above the 7,000 mark for the first time while the Nasdaq notched another record, as investors continued to price out the recent Iran war shock and rotate back into large‑cap growth.
Index moves
- The S&P 500 finished around 7,022, up roughly 0.8% on the day, marking its first confirmed close above the 7,000 level after previously stalling just below that threshold in late January.
- The Nasdaq Composite pushed to a fresh record north of 24k, rising close to 1.59% as tech and communication‑services leaders extended an already double‑digit winning streak in recent sessions.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged falling .155 at the end of the day.
- The small caps on the Russell 2000 Aldo edged forward with a .30% gain.
Drivers and macro backdrop
- Easing geopolitical anxiety around the U.S.–Iran conflict remained the dominant macro driver, with markets increasingly betting on further rounds of talks and a short, contained war, which has helped erase much of the prior “Iran risk premium” in equities.
- Crude Oil prices drifted to $91.49/bbl as the peace narrative gained traction, reducing immediate inflation fears and supporting risk appetite across rate‑sensitive growth sectors.
- The 10‑year Treasury yield drifted along to the 4.282% area, reflecting a modest bid for duration alongside the equity rally and reinforcing the idea that the recent shock has not derailed expectations for a soft‑landing‑style expansion.
Sector and stock highlights
- Communication services and consumer discretionary were clear upside leaders, powered by mega‑cap platforms and e‑commerce names that have become the core engines of the current bull leg.
- Energy underperformed as crude pulled back on de‑escalation hopes, while some traditionally defensive pockets lagged in a classic “risk‑on” tape.
- In financials, bank earnings were mixed: JPMorgan traded lower after trimming its net interest income outlook and Wells Fargo slid sharply on disappointing results, while BlackRock and Citigroup advanced on stronger‑than‑expected numbers.
Earnings, policy, and positioning
- The tape had to digest a heavy flow of large‑cap bank reports, which reinforced the message of solid but not spectacular credit trends and a gradual normalization in net interest margins.
- Under the surface, positioning continues to skew toward quality growth and AI‑levered tech, with investors willing to pay up again for secular earnings visibility now that worst‑case geopolitical scenarios appear less likely.
- Fed expectations remain centered on modest rate cuts later this year, and with inflation data not delivering any fresh negative surprise this week, the macro backdrop is giving equities room to press new highs rather than forcing a de‑risking event.
VP Watchlist Updates
Below is an update‑style snapshot on the VP Watchlist names for the week, focused on recent catalysts, positioning, and narrative rather than precise price moves.
Allbirds (BIRD, $16.99, +582.33%)
Allbirds (BIRD, $16.99, +582.33%), the onetime darling of sustainable sneakers, just pulled off a pivot so dramatic it makes most turnaround stories look like gentle rebrands. After selling its footwear brand and assets, the company is reinventing itself as an AI compute infrastructure player—complete with a new name, NewBird AI—and the stock has rocketed hundreds of percent in a single trading session.
Broadcom (AVGO, $396.72, +4.20%)
Broadcom’s latest AI alliance with Google parent Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL, GOOG) and Anthropic is less a routine chip deal and more a declaration that the quiet power behind the cloud plans to stay loud for the next decade. The three-way pact locks in custom AI silicon and multi‑gigawatt compute capacity that could reshape who really controls the tollbooths on the generative AI superhighway.
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (EPRX, $7.40, +2.49%)
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Eupraxia” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its proprietary Diffusphere™ technology designed to optimize local, controlled drug delivery for applications with significant unmet need, co-hosted a Tribe Public www.TribePublic.com, CEO Presentation & Q&A Webinar event, Wednesday, April 1 titled “Turning EOE Into a Once-a-Year Appointment.” The event featured James A. Helliwell, M.D., Co‑founder and CEO of Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: EPRX), who discusses the company’s precision drug‑delivery platform, its approach to Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), and broader pipeline priorities, followed by a focused 5–10 minute Q&A. You may watch it now at this Youtube link.
Eupraxia announced (March 17) positive symptom data from patients in the two highest dose cohorts from its ongoing Phase 1b/2a part of the RESOLVE trial evaluating EP-104GI for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (“EoE”). “We are very pleased to see such a meaningful symptom response at 24 weeks in the highest dose of the Phase 1b/2a portion of the RESOLVE study,” said Dr. James A. Helliwell, Chief Executive Officer of Eupraxia. “We believe this type of response based on a single administration procedure would represent a compellingly different option for EoE patients. Importantly, the response that we are observing across cohorts 4-9 has increased as patients progress through the study through to week 24. We believe this demonstrates the importance of stable, continuous long-term local steroids in tamping down signs of inflammation quickly and acting on fibrosis in the longer term. Also, as previously reported, we continue to be encouraged by the safety profile that we have observed with EP-104GI. Currently, with 31 patients dosed in the Phase 1b/2a study, and over 220 months of follow up, there have been no reported serious adverse events.”
Modular Medical (MODD, $4.68)
- Modular Medical’s latest regulatory milestone upgrades the narrative: the company has now secured FDA 510(k) clearance for its Pivot tubeless insulin patch pump, moving from “launch‑ready” to “launch‑approved” in the heart of the fast‑growing diabesity market. The FDA has cleared Modular Medical’s Pivot patch pump as a tubeless, removable insulin delivery system, formally validating the device’s design and performance for commercial use in U.S. adults living with diabetes. The clearance converts what had been a Q1 2026 launch “subject to FDA response” into a tangible commercial pathway, giving the company permission to sell into an insulin pump market that has been estimated at roughly 8 billion dollars globally. Pivot is engineered as a simplified, two‑part patch pump with a 3‑milliliter removable reservoir, no need for battery recharging, and the ability to bolus without a dedicated controller, aiming squarely at patients who have stayed on multiple daily injections because traditional pumps felt too complex, cumbersome, or costly. By clearing Pivot, the FDA is effectively endorsing Modular Medical’s attempt to make advanced insulin delivery feel less like adopting a gadget and more like upgrading a daily habit.
The InterGroup Corporation (INTG, $36.34, +1.45%)
- InterGroup Corporation delivered (Feb. 17) a notably stronger quarter, highlighted by a 20% jump in total revenue to $17.3 million and a 27% surge in hotel revenue as renovated rooms returned to service and travel demand improved. The company swung from a prior-year net loss to $1.0 million in net income, with operating income more than doubling to $2.0 million, underscoring better cost control and improved operating efficiency. Management further enhanced liquidity and sharpened strategic focus by selling a non-core 12‑unit Los Angeles multifamily property, generating a meaningful gain and additional working capital while maintaining stable performance across its real estate portfolio.
Volato Group, Inc. (SOAR) & M2i Global, Inc. (MTWO)
- Volato Group, Inc. (NYSE American: SOAR) (the “Company” or “Volato”) and M2i Global, Inc. (OTCQB: MTWO) (“M2i Global”) today (April 13) announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has declared effective the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-292132) relating to Volato’s proposed merger with M2i Global, formally advancing the transaction into its shareholder approval and closing phases. Volato is proceeding with distribution of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and a special meeting of shareholders is expected to be held on May 7, 2026. Shareholders of record as of April 17, 2026 will be entitled to vote on the proposed transaction.
- flyExclusive (NYSE American: FLYX), the vertically integrated private aviation company, announced (March 25) two milestones in its proprietary technology development: the filing of a utility patent application for a novel aircraft schedule optimization architecture, and the availability of Contrails, its Flight Management System, to other Part 135 operators beginning in Q2 2026. Both announcements coincide with the company’s presence at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference 2026 in Cleveland. “We have spent years building flyExclusive into one of the most operationally capable private aviation companies in the country. Contrails is how we make that expertise available to the broader industry—and the intellectual property behind it reflects the depth of investment we have made in solving problems that matter to every serious operator. We believe the right technology, built by people who actually run flights, changes what is possible in this industry. Today we are unable to source lift for nearly 300 trip requests per day. We believe Contrails will allow us to address that demand far more efficiently—both within our own operation and through coordination with other operators—and that represents a material revenue opportunity for flyExclusive and for all participating operators.”
- Volato Group, Inc. announced (March 10) that it has entered into an amendment to its Aircraft Management Services Agreement with flyExclusive, Inc. (“FLYX”) providing for the sale of certain legacy intellectual property assets. The agreement provides for consideration valued at approximately $1.3 million, payable in FLYX Class A common stock, subject to customary conditions. The assets relate to legacy intellectual property developed during earlier stages of the Company’s technology initiatives and are not part of Volato’s current operating platforms. Volato continues to evaluate opportunities to streamline its asset base and focus resources on strategic priorities, including the continued development of its core software platforms and the pending business combination with M2i Global, Inc.
- On Feb. 4, M2i Global,Inc.along with Volato Group, Inc. announced that Titanium X has initiated its first shipment of titanium ore from Western Australia to the U.S. under its collaboration agreement.
NVIDIA (NVDA, $198.87, +1.23%) (NOK, $9.99)
- On April 13, Vistance Networks (NASDAQ: VISN, $19.30, +1.74%), a global provider of intelligent network solutions, today shared that RUCKUS® Networks and Nokia announced early access availability to a combined solution, allowing customers to accelerate adoption of their integrated Wi-Fi 7 and Fiber Optical Lan Solution.
- In an AI market obsessed with GPUs and stardust, Nokia (NOK) is quietly reminding investors that none of this magic moves without serious plumbing. While Nvidia (NVDA) prepares to headline its GTC 2026 “Woodstock of AI” showcase, the chip giant has already written a very real check to Nokia, committing a $1 billion investment to help rewire the world’s networks for 5G‑Advanced, 6G, and AI‑native workloads. The message is simple enough: GPUs may be the new rock stars, but networking is the stadium.
- Nvidia delivered strong fourth-quarter results recently, posting revenue of $68.1 billion, well above analyst expectations. Looking ahead, the company projects $7.8 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued robust demand for its AI chips even amid broader market headwinds.
- NVIDIA and Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ: NBIS) (March 11) announced a strategic partnership to develop and deploy the next generation of hyperscale cloud for the AI market, from AI natives to enterprises. NVIDIA will invest $2 billion in Nebius.
McDonald’s (MCD, $306.26, +1%)
- On April 6, McDonald’s Türkiye reinterprets a globally recognized message with a creative twist in its new campaign inspired by increased travel during holiday periods. Developed for out-of-home, digital, and print channels, the ‘Drink & Drive’ campaign positions McCafé® around the idea of alertness and attentiveness while driving. The brand’s iconic Golden Arches are also transformed into a bold road line, symbolizing the driver’s focus on challenging journeys.
Opendoor (OPEN, $4.82, +6.87%)
- Opendoor Technologies, a leading e-commerce platform for residential real estate transactions, reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025. They highlighted the following: October 2025 acquisition cohort tracking as best-performing October in Company history; acquisitions increased 46% quarter-over-quarter while inventory days in possession reduced 23%.
- Opendoor continues to navigate a challenging housing backdrop characterized by still‑elevated mortgage rates and tight existing‑home inventories, which weigh on transaction volumes even as affordability slowly improves. The company’s focus on disciplined acquisition spreads, inventory turns, and ancillary services remains central to the investment debate as markets handicap the pace and magnitude of any 2026 housing recovery.
Tesla (TSLA, $391.95, +7.63%)
Elon Musk reportedly posted an image today (April 15) on X about Tesla’s AI new A15 chip and suggesting that it was just one of many that he was going to have to offer.
Recently, it was reported that Elon Musk’s latest Texas-sized ambition is to build his own AI chip empire, and this time the factory floor will sit right next to the robots, rockets, and robotaxis that plan to use it. The Terafab project, a new semiconductor venture linking Tesla (TSLA), SpaceX, and xAI in Austin, aims to churn out custom chips for AI, humanoid robots, and space systems at a scale that makes today’s GPU land rush look like a warm‑up act. Learn more here.
There are open secrets on Wall Street, and then there is SpaceX’s long‑anticipated march toward the public markets, now reportedly via a confidential filing with the SEC that could set up a June debut. For a company that routinely broadcasts rockets into orbit, it is taking a decidedly hush‑hush approach to its paperwork
Serina Therapeutics (NYSE: SER, $2.03, +5.18%)
Serina Therapeutics (NYSE: SER) (www.serinatx.com) seems to have have just traded itself into Wall Street’s good graces, pairing fresh capital with a late-session pop that suggests investors are finally starting to connect the dots between polymer chemistry and portfolio returns. In Huntsville, Alabama, Serina Therapeutics announced definitive agreements for a private placement of common stock and pre-funded warrants that could bring in up to 30 million dollars in gross proceeds. The first 15 million dollar tranche is expected to close on March 20, 2026, with a second tranche of up to 15 million dollars anticipated by April 30, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
What makes the deal stand out in a biotech tape crowded with discounts is the pricing: the securities are being sold at about 2.25 dollars per share, a roughly 68 percent premium to Serina’s March 17 closing price, signaling that insiders are willing to pay up for exposure to the company’s clinical agenda. The financing also adds board-level heft, with director Greg Bailey, M.D., stepping into a Co-Chairman role as he leads the investment, a move that effectively puts the capital and the governance on the same optimistic page. Learn more here.
GeoVax Labs (GOVX, $1.28)
- GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious diseases and cancer, on April 14 highlighted the urgent challenges caused by the supply-constrained, global orthopoxvirus vaccine market and outlined the strategic positioning of its GEO-MVA vaccine candidate to address the limited supply and increasing global demand. David Dodd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GeoVax, commented, “The mpox and smallpox vaccine market is not a future construct, it is an active, procurement-driven market with recurring demand and increasing strategic importance. It is also a market currently defined by supply concentration and limited surge capacity.” Mr. Dodd added, “We believe that, if approved, GEO-MVA, which is expected to begin a pivotal Phase 3 trial this year, is positioned to enter this market as a second-source MVA vaccine at a time when governments and global health organizations are actively seeking to diversify supply and strengthen preparedness. Our focus is on executing the next phase of development and aligning GEO-MVA with procurement frameworks that support both long-term stockpiling and rapid response capabilities.”
The Sources
- Investopedia – “Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Hits New All-Time High; Nasdaq Gains for 11th Straight Session; Dow Slips”
https://www.investopedia.com/stock-market-today-dow-jones-s-and-p-500-04152026-11950191 - Trading Economics – “United States Stock Market Index”
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/stock-market - TheStreet – “Stock Market Today (Apr. 15, 2026): S&P 500 surpasses …”
https://www.thestreet.com/latest-news/stock-market-today-apr-15-2026-futures-flat-sp-500-close-to-all-time-high - CNBC – “Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Here’s why the Club is taking profits in this chip stock”
https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/04/15/wednesday-april-15-2026-heres-why-the-club-is-taking-profits-in-this-chip-stock.html - Charles Schwab – “Gains Pause Despite Peace Hopes, Bank Earnings”
https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/stock-market-update-open - Yahoo Finance – “S&P 500 touches 7,000 for the first time, led by a surprising group of …”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/p-500-touches-7-000-225600536.html - Barron’s – “Stock Market Today: Dow Falls; S&P 500 Heads for Record”
https://www.barrons.com/livecoverage/stock-market-news-today-041526 - Axios – “S&P 500 tops 7,000 for the first time ever”
https://www.axios.com/2026/01/28/sp500-ai-stock-market - YouTube – “Daily Market Recap — April 15, 2026 | S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow, Treasury Yields”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQbjpSLJmGY - YouTube – “US, Iran Weigh More Talks; United Pitches Tie-Up with …”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huR3lWNKmx8
