Equities Edge Up as US-Iran Talks Loom, Inflation Surges

Investors await weekend talks as US consumer prices spike due to oil price hikes from Middle East conflict

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:40pm

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An abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conveying the interconnected economic forces at play in the current market environment.Geometric abstraction captures the complex interplay of inflation, energy costs, and global politics shaping financial markets.Lebanon Today

Equities had a mixed performance on Friday as investors waited anxiously for upcoming US-Iran talks scheduled for the weekend. The news comes after US inflation data showed a surge in consumer prices, driven by soaring energy costs related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has set conditions for the peace talks to proceed, including the unblocking of its assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Why it matters

The US-Iran talks are seen as a key development that could impact global energy supplies and prices, which have been significantly disrupted by the Middle East conflict. The spike in US inflation also raises pressure on the Federal Reserve to potentially raise interest rates further, which could impact financial markets.

The details

Equities were a mixed bag on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 0.54% while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.26%. Investors are also awaiting the start of the first-quarter earnings season next week, with concerns about the impact of the Middle East conflict on corporate results and guidance. The report from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) showing a 35% surge in first-quarter revenue provided an encouraging sign for the tech sector.

  • The US-Iran talks are scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Pakistan.
  • The latest US inflation data was released on Friday, April 10, 2026, showing consumer prices increased the most in nearly four years in March.

The players

TSMC

The world's largest contract chip manufacturer, which reported a 35% surge in first-quarter revenue, ahead of forecasts, due to strong demand for artificial intelligence-related products.

Iran

Iran has set conditions for the peace talks with the US to proceed, including the unblocking of its assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon.

United States

The US is requiring Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global energy supplies are shipped, as part of the peace talks.

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What they’re saying

“Since the war began you've seen extra pressure on Fridays because of uncertainty about what might happen on the weekend.”

— Peter Tuz, President of Chase Investment Counsel

“More uncertainty than usual about what's going to come out of earnings season from actual financial results and probably more importantly, the guidance about what's been seen by executives in a bunch of industries over the past month since the war began.”

— Peter Tuz, President of Chase Investment Counsel

What’s next

The outcome of the US-Iran talks scheduled for this weekend will be closely watched by investors, as it could have significant implications for global energy supplies and prices. Additionally, the upcoming first-quarter earnings season will provide further insight into the impact of the Middle East conflict on corporate performance.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as well as the broader Middle East conflict, continue to have a significant impact on global financial markets. Investors are navigating a complex landscape of geopolitical risks, inflation pressures, and uncertainty around corporate earnings, underscoring the need for vigilance and adaptability in the current economic environment.