MSD Weekly Market Update: Week Ending April 24, 2026
The extended now-with-no-end-date Mideast ceasefire has instilled a steadier backdrop to markets and limited rate changes, although the situation remains tenuous. Data released over the week was generally better-than-expected. Retail sales posted a M-o-M increase, although the figure is not adjusted for inflation, and Pending Home Sales flashed a hopeful M-o-M rise. Senate hearings on the prospective new Fed Chair nominee, Kevin Warsh, were held, but it is too early to evoke forecasts on the topic. The week ahead serves a busy slate of economic reports, although the highlight may be the April 29th FOMC outcome and the subsequent press conference. At this stage, the Fed is widely expected to remain on hold and note the ongoing uncertainty from the Mideast conflict and its potential impacts. The markets, meanwhile, remain in a tense yet hopeful pattern that the ceasefire will hold and limit further economic or market repercussions.

































