U.S. markets enter Wednesday, April 1, 2026 with the backdrop set by the Tuesday, March 31 close. Stocks advanced on broad buying. Oil remained high. Yields eased modestly. The dollar held steady. The S&P 500 sits at 6,509.59. The Dow is at 46,238.05. The Nasdaq is at 21,230.76. The Russell 2000 is at 2,451.48. Oil stays elevated. Yields remain in the 4.3% area.

This keeps financial conditions firm heading into today.

The last completed session showed broad gains.

The S&P 500 rose 2.6%. The Dow gained 1,022 points. The Nasdaq added 2.1%. Major indexes moved higher but remain sensitive to rate and energy levels. Small-cap stocks improved to 2,451.48 yet still trail larger peers.

This tells us buying returned but breadth is still being tested.

Bond yields moved lower. The 10-year Treasury yield closed at 4.35%. This level keeps borrowing costs high for mortgages, business loans, and credit cards. The bond market offered slight relief but conditions stay tight overall.

The U.S. Dollar Index closed at 100.19. Higher U.S. yields continue to support dollar demand. A firm dollar weighs on U.S. exports and overseas corporate earnings.

Energy prices held firm at elevated levels. WTI crude closed at $101.64. Brent crude closed near $113.80. These prices keep energy costs high across the economy. Gold traded near $4,570 per ounce with limited movement. Oil remains the dominant commodity signal.

Recent macro data shows continuity. Initial jobless claims are at 210,000, pointing to ongoing labor-market strength. Consumer sentiment sits at 53.3, reflecting continued caution. The Federal Reserve target range remains 3.50%–3.75%.

These numbers confirm a stable labor market amid persistent cost pressures.

Key reference levels:

Markets open last Wednesday after an equity rebound. Oil remains elevated. Yields and the dollar are stable but firm.

The key takeaway is simple. Energy prices and rate levels continue to set the tone.