Stock Market Today, April 21: Markets in Wait-and-See Mode as Hopes for New U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Fade
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By Emma Newbery – Apr 21, 2026 at 6:01PM ESTThe S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.63%) fell 0.63% to 7,064.01, the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 0.59%) slipped 0.59% to 24,259.96, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.59%) declined 0.59% to 49,149.38 as uncertainty about the U.S.-Iran conflict weighed on markets. Market moversUnitedHealth Group (UNH +7.03%) outperformed on strong earnings. GE Aerospace (GE 5.56%) and defense supplier RTX (RTX 4.40%) both slipped despite beating analyst Q1 estimates. Tim Cook’s planned exit as Apple (AAPL 2.60%) CEO weighed on the stock while Tesla (TSLA 1.53%) slipped in the run-up to tomorrow’s earnings release. What this means for investorsGeopolitical jitters drove markets downward today as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained restricted and oil prices pushed upwards again. News that President Trump would extend the ceasefire broke after trading, which could potentially boost stocks tomorrow in ongoing headline-driven trading.The wait-and-see mode after last week’s record highs shows how quickly sentiment can change. As uncertainty continues to dominate sentiment, these dividend stocks can offer a way to generate passive income and balance portfolios. Kevin Warsh, the nominee to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in May, addressed the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Development today. He faced questions about various issues, including Fed independence and AI. For investors, that transition is worth watching, not only because it could impact interest rates, but also because any issues with the nomination could contribute to further volatility.Read NextApr 21, 2026 •By David Jagielski, CPAWhy May 15 Could Be a Huge Day for the Stock MarketApr 21, 2026 •By Trevor JennewineThe Stock Market Flashes a Warning as Investors Get Bad News About President Trump's Economy.
History Says This Will Happen Next.Apr 20, 2026 •By Jeremy BowmanAfter Weeks of Extreme Fear, the Market Sentiment Index Just Jumped 20 Points. Here's What Comes Next.Apr 20, 2026 •By Jeremy BowmanIPO Meaning: What Does IPO Stand For?Apr 20, 2026 •By Emma NewberyStock Market Today, April 20: Market Rebound Stumbles as Oil Disruption ContinuesApr 20, 2026 •By Keith NoonanThe Fear and Greed Index Flipped to Greed This Week. Here's Why Smart Investors Are Paying Close Attention.About the AuthorEmma Newberry is a contributing Motley Fool cryptocurrency analyst covering digital currencies and blockchain trends. She previously wrote for Motley Fool Money (formerly The Ascent) on personal finance, investing, retirement readiness, and crypto. Earlier in her career, Emma founded an English-language newspaper in Colombia and contributed to Olympic city bid campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with creative writing from the University of East Anglia in the UK.TMFemmanewberyStocks MentionedS&P 500 IndexSNPINDEX: ^GSPC$7,064.01(-0.63%)-$45.13NASDAQ Composite IndexNASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC$24,259.96(-0.59%)-$144.43Dow Jones Industrial AverageDJINDICES: ^DJI$49,149.38(-0.59%)-$293.18*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.