April

• The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand increased 1.4 percent in April 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with prices rising 6.0 percent over the 12-month period. • Final demand services advanced 1.2 percent while final demand goods increased 2.0 percent, showing divergence in price pressures across economic sectors. • The April PPI data signals persistent inflationary pressures in producer-level pricing, which often precedes consumer price increases and informs Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.

• Tech: NYC reports 21 startups crossed the Series A threshold in April 2026, tracked in their monthly 'Series A: A Series' update. • Funding checks are notably increasing in size, reflecting stronger investor confidence in early-stage tech ventures amid economic recovery. • The roundup emphasizes New York City's vibrant startup ecosystem, with focus on AI, fintech, and climate tech sectors.

Prices rose 3.8% over the last year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highest jump since 2023Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailUS inflation jumped to 3.8% in April as the war in the Middle East continued to drive energy prices and everyday costs for Americans.Prices rose 3.8% over the last year, according to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest jump since 2023. Continue reading...

Month was one of driest on record with rainfall 23% less than average, according to Met Office figuresOne of the driest Aprils on record for central and southern England has left river levels below normal, raising fears of drought in some areas over the summer.The latest UK hydrological survey – which tracks river and groundwater levels – suggests central and southern England and eastern Scotland will experience notably low river flows over the next three months, raising concerns about water shortages if dry weather persists. Continue reading...

• The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its federal funds rate in the 3.50%-3.75% range at its April 2026 policy meeting. • Decision balances heightened inflation uncertainty, a softening labor market, and geopolitical risks from the Middle East. • Markets remain volatile under President Trump due to tariffs, tax policies, oil price swings, and conflicts, yet stocks have held steady overall.

• India's manufacturing PMI increased to 54.7 in April from 53.9 in March, indicating continued expansion in the sector despite external headwinds. • The uptick reflects strong demand and production growth, though inflationary pressures have intensified due to ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions affecting commodity prices. • A PMI above 50 signals economic expansion, and the improvement suggests Indian manufacturers are maintaining resilience in production activity and order books.

• The S&P 500 rose over 10% and the Nasdaq soared more than 15% in April 2026, marking their largest monthly gains since 2020, driven by robust corporate earnings reports. • Investors anticipate earnings growth of 27.8% year-over-year for Q1 2026 across over 100 S&P 500 companies, the highest rate since Q4 2021, while oil prices briefly surpassed $120 per barrel creating market ripples. • Despite elevated oil prices and a hawkish Federal Reserve stance, equity markets demonstrated resilience, signaling investor confidence in corporate profitability and economic fundamentals.