US Stock Market Today: Live Updates 21.04.2026

U.S. stocks traded through a volatile session on April 21 as investors digested company results, a major leadership change at Apple and shifting Middle East headlines.

UnitedHealth Group was one of the day’s main earnings catalysts. The company said first-quarter 2026 revenue came in at $111.7 billion and earnings were $6.90 per share. It also raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings outlook to more than $18.25 per share.

Apple added another big corporate storyline after announcing on April 20 that Tim Cook will become executive chairman and John Ternus will become CEO on September 1, 2026.

Market sentiment also reflected broader geopolitical uncertainty. AP reported that stocks and oil prices moved as investors tracked ceasefire talks tied to the Iran conflict, while Reuters said Wall Street was set to open higher earlier in the day on AI optimism and strong earnings.

By the close, AP said the Russell 2000 fell 1%, highlighting the mixed tone across the market.

What moved the market

Earnings were the clearest driver, with UnitedHealth’s results and outlook helping set the tone for a broader corporate earnings season.

What to watch next

Investors will be watching whether the earnings-driven bid can hold if Middle East headlines turn more negative, and whether Apple’s leadership transition affects trading in the stock over the coming sessions.