US stocks extended their record run on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hovering near fresh highs while the Dow lagged but still rose .24% to close at 48,578.72 as investors balanced Middle East ceasefire optimism against a dense slate of macro data and earnings.
Index moves and breadth
- Futures pointed higher premarket after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at new records on Wednesday, underpinned by hopes for a more durable ceasefire between the US, Iran, and regional actors and a de‑escalation of the war in the Middle East.
- The S&P500 benchmark was recently around 7,040, up roughly 0.2%, with communication services and consumer discretionary leading and energy lagging on softer crude.
- The Dow traded more mixed as investors rotated away from some traditional cyclicals, while growth and AI‑linked names in the Nasdaq continued to attract flows following a powerful multi‑week tech rally.
Macro: war, growth, and central banks
- Sentiment remains tightly linked to Middle East headlines, with markets encouraged by reports of an “in principle” agreement to extend ceasefire arrangements and advance diplomatic talks, which investors see as a path to more stable oil flows and reduced inflation tail risks.
- The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook framed 2026 as a year of slower but still positive global growth around the 3% handle, with the Iran conflict described as the key downside risk that could keep inflation pressures elevated if it widens or persists.
- Today’s calendar was heavy: China’s Q1 GDP, final Eurozone inflation, ECB minutes, US weekly jobless claims, the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index, and US industrial production, offering a near‑real‑time read on global demand and the Fed–ECB policy path.
Earnings and sector dynamics
- First‑quarter earnings are moving to the forefront, with investor pessimism setting a relatively low bar against consensus expectations for double‑digit profit growth for US corporates this year.
- Financials are mixed as large banks report: some names have rallied on strong fee and asset‑management trends, while others have come under pressure after trimming net interest income guidance or posting weaker credit metrics.
- Communication services and consumer discretionary are outperforming as investors add to secular growth and AI‑adjacent themes, while energy underperforms on the day’s dip in crude despite the broader geopolitical risk premium still priced into the complex.
Global lens for allocators
- For global allocators, today is effectively a stress‑test of the “risk‑on despite war” regime: synchronized data from China, Europe, and the US plus a heavy earnings tape will either validate the current multiple expansion or force a re‑rating.
- If Chinese growth proves resilient and Eurozone inflation continues to drift lower alongside dovish ECB rhetoric, the case strengthens for a more durable broadening beyond US mega‑cap tech into cyclicals and non‑US equities.
- Conversely, any combination of softer growth, sticky inflation, or renewed Middle East escalation would likely show up first in higher volatility, a bid for defensives, and a pause in the recent run of US index records that has been powered by ceasefire hopes and earnings optimism.
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.
Hims & Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: HIMS, $26.99, +11.12%)
Wall Street woke up to a rare sight this week: peptides moving out of the regulatory penalty box and straight into the growth-stock conversation. Hims & Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) extended its recent rally after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signaled that the Food and Drug Administration is preparing to ease limits on a slate of popular peptide treatments. For a market that has spent the last two years pricing in ever-tighter rules on compounding and wellness therapies, the tone suddenly sounds much more like opportunity than overhang.
Broadcom (AVGO, $398.47, +.44%)
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, $7.20)
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, $4.82, +4.78%)
- 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, $38.39, +5.64%)
- 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. today (April 16) announced that it will hold a special meeting of shareholders on May 7, 2026 to vote on the previously announced proposed merger with M2i Global, Inc. (“M2i Global”). Shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 17, 2026 will be entitled to vote at the special meeting. The Company expects the merger to close shortly after the meeting, subject to shareholder approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the merger agreement, M2i Global will merge with a wholly owned subsidiary of Volato, with M2i Global continuing as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of Volato. Upon completion of the transaction, existing M2i Global shareholders are expected to own approximately 85% of the combined company, while Volato shareholders are expected to own approximately 15%, on a fully diluted basis (excluding warrants). The combined company is expected to leverage M2i Global’s capabilities across mining, refining, and recycling of critical minerals alongside Volato’s expertise in software, data systems, and operational execution, creating a scalable, technology-enabled platform focused on strengthening domestic supply chains.
- Volato Group, Inc. (NYSE American: SOAR) (the “Company” or “Volato”) and M2i Global, Inc. (OTCQB: MTWO) (“M2i Global”) (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, $198.35) (NOK, $10.29, +3%)
- 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, $306.96, +.23%)
- 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, $5.27, +9.34%)
- Today, Opendoor Technologies Inc. (“Opendoor”) (Nasdaq: OPEN) announced that it will report first quarter 2026 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2026 following the close of the market on Thursday, May 7, 2026. On May 7, 2026, management will host our Financial Open House video livestream at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) to discuss the company’s business and financial results. We invite shareholders to participate directly through Robinhood’s Say Technologies platform by visiting https://app.saytechnologies.com/opendoor-2026-q1
- 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, $388.90)
Elon Musk reportedly posted an image (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, $1.99)
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, $1.23)
- 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
- Yahoo Finance – “Stock market today: S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq rise, with fresh records in view amid hopes for renewed truce”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-sp-500-dow-nasdaq-rise-with-fresh-records-in-view-amid-hopes-for-renewed- - Yahoo Finance – “Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 jump to records, Nasdaq surges as stocks end 2026’s first week with big gains”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-jump-to-records-nasdaq-surges-as-stocks-end-2026s-first-week-w - Yahoo Finance (YouTube) – “LIVE: S&P, Nasdaq rise to record highs as Iran war tensions ease slightly | Apr. 15, 2026”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j78co07B9wg - Reuters – “S&P 500, Nasdaq notch fresh records, casting aside war fears”
https://www.reuters.com/business/view-sp-500-nasdaq-notch-fresh-records-casting-aside-war-fears-2026-04-15/ - The Economic Times – “US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Highlights: S&P 500, Nasdaq close over 1% higher on easing inflation, strong earnings and US-Iran talks hopes”
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/us-stocks/news/us-stock-market-live-dow-jones-sp-500-nasdaq-trump-iran-war-deescalation - Trading Economics – “United States Stock Market Index – Quote – Chart”
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/stock-market - IMF – “World Economic Outlook, April 2026”
https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo/issues/2026/04/14/world-economic-outlook-april-2026 - Economic calendar / events – “Economic Events and Corporate Reports – Thursday, April 16, 2026”
https://sergeytereshkin.com/publications/economic-events-and-corporate-reports-april-16-2026 - Yahoo Finance – Main markets page (live quotes, sector moves, heat map)
https://finance.yahoo.com - CNBC – “S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite close at fresh records as …”
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/14/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
