- Equity markets rose in April due to strong corporate earnings and reduced geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 gained 2.8% while the Canadian S&P/TSX fell 1.2% partly due to declines in energy and financial stocks.
- Commodity prices were mixed in April with oil, gold, and other commodities rising while others like copper and zinc fell. Central banks in Canada, US, and Europe kept interest rates unchanged.
- A pullback in commodity prices like oil and silver in early May was expected and may provide relief from inflation, especially for food and fuel prices. The decline also gives investors time to reassess companies and markets.