April is usually a strong month for stocks — but three factors now jeopardize the market rebound

Site SearchClearSEARCHAdvanced Search ➔Search ResultsSymbolsNo results foundAll NewsArticlesVideoPodcasts0 ResultsNo Results FoundAuthorsNo results foundSectionsNo results foundColumnsNo results found Market SnapshotApril is usually a strong month for stocks — but three factors now jeopardize the market reboundWorries about Fed rate hikes and souring earnings expectations could easily trip up the market for a second straight monthPublished: April 5, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ETShareResizeListen(6 min)U.S. stocks had a rocky first quarter. What will spring bring? Photo: MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphotoInvestors had hoped April’s historically strong seasonality could bring a rebound for stocks after a rough first quarter. But several forces may stand in the way.The S&P 500 SPX fell 4.6% in the first quarter — its worst first quarter since 2022 — as U.S. stocks were dragged down by concerns about AI disruption and the intense uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict. About the Author Frances YueFrances Yue covers the cryptocurrency market for MarketWatch.Show Conversation (0)Back To TopA Dow Jones CompanyCopyright © 2026 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie NoticeArchive MarketwatchCustomer CenterContact UsNewslettersNewsroom RosterVirtual Stock ExchangeMarketWatch GuidesCopyright PolicyManage NotificationsCancel My SubscriptionCompanyDow JonesCode of ConductCorrectionsReprints & LicensingDigital Self ServiceYour Ad ChoicesCorporate SubscriptionsAccessibilityDow Jones NetworkThe Wall Street JournalBarron'sInvestor's Business DailyFinancial News Londonrealtor.comMansion GlobalDow Jones Smart MoneyIntraday Data provided by FACTSET and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by FACTSET. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.