Brent futures declined 95 cents, or 1%, at $94.53, as of 0003 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for May fell $1.54, or 1.72%, to $88.07. The May contract expires on Tuesday and the more-active June ‌contract was down $1.09, ⁠or 1.3%, ⁠at $86.37.

Both benchmarks surged on Monday, with Brent up 5.6% and WTI up 6.9%, after Iran again shut the Strait of Hormuz, closing the key oil transport artery, and the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship as part of its blockade of the country’s ports.

Still, investors are focusing on the likelihood talks this week will result in the extension of the existing ceasefire or a final agreement, though the chance of further conflict and disruptions to oil flows remains.

Iran is weighing participation in the peace ⁠talks in ‌Pakistan, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday, following Islamabad’s efforts to end the U.S. blockade.

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The blockade has posed a major hurdle to Tehran rejoining peace efforts, ⁠with the current two-week ceasefire set to expire this week.
“We continue to lean toward an MOU being signed and/or the ceasefire being extended this week, potentially evolving into a broader agreement,” analysts at Citi said in a note. “That said, we remain prepared to pivot toward a more protracted disruption scenario should negotiations falter this week.” Underscoring the uncertainty around the talks, the Iranian official stressed that no decision has been made to attend, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said “continued violations of the ceasefire” by the U.S. is a hindrance to ‌further negotiations.

Separately, Iran’s top negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reiterated that Tehran would not negotiate under threats.

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, an essential corridor for about one-fifth of the world’s ⁠oil supply, remained limited on Monday.

If disruptions to the strait persist for another month, total losses could rise to about 1.3 billion barrels, with prices likely near $110 a barrel in the second quarter of 2026, Citi said.

Kuwait declared force majeure on oil shipments due to the strait’s blockade, Bloomberg News reported.

The higher prices caused by the closure of the strait have cut oil demand by about 3% so far, analysts at Societe Generale said in a client note.

The risk is “skewed toward larger losses the longer normalisation is delayed,” it said, adding it expects “full normalisation” to supply only by late 2026.

NEW YORK — Meta Platforms Inc. shares declined 1.71% in early Monday trading on April 20, 2026, falling $11.76 to $676.79 as investors positioned themselves ahead of the company’s first-quarter earnings report later this week and continued to digest the massive capital expenditure requirements tied to its aggressive artificial intelligence push.

The owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads has seen its stock experience periodic volatility in 2026 despite strong advertising revenue growth, largely because of concerns over soaring infrastructure costs and the timeline for returns on its heavy AI investments. Meta has guided for 2026 capital expenditures between $115 billion and $135 billion — a sharp increase from prior years — to fuel data center expansion, custom chips and its new Superintelligence Labs initiative.

At 10:14 a.m. EDT, trading volume remained moderate as the broader market opened mixed amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The modest pullback followed a solid performance last week, when shares closed near $688, reflecting ongoing optimism about Meta’s core social media business even as spending worries linger.

Analysts widely expect Meta to report first-quarter revenue between $53.5 billion and $56.5 billion when results are released after the market close on April 29, with earnings per share around $6.65 to $6.71. The company will host a conference call at 5:30 p.m. ET that day, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg and finance chief Susan Li are likely to face questions about AI monetization progress, expense growth and any updates to full-year guidance.

“Meta continues to deliver robust top-line growth from its advertising platform, but the market remains focused on whether the enormous AI-related outlays will compress margins in the near term or deliver outsized returns down the road,” said one technology analyst who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to comment publicly. Several Wall Street firms maintain “Buy” ratings on META, citing the company’s dominant position in digital advertising and potential for AI-driven features to boost user engagement.

Meta’s advertising business, which accounts for the vast majority of revenue, has benefited from improved targeting tools powered by AI, including Advantage+ campaigns that have driven higher returns for advertisers. Daily active users across its family of apps exceed 3.5 billion, providing a massive canvas for AI enhancements such as personalized recommendations, content moderation and creative tools for Reels and Stories.

In early April, Meta debuted Muse Spark, its first major AI model release since acquiring a significant stake in Scale AI and hiring its CEO Alexandr Wang to lead Superintelligence Labs. The model is designed to achieve strong performance with significantly less compute than previous versions, potentially helping to mitigate some of the cost pressures from the company’s infrastructure buildout. Executives have highlighted the potential for more efficient scaling of AI features across Meta’s platforms, including integration with Ray-Ban smart glasses and future wearable devices.

Still, the sheer scale of spending has raised eyebrows. Full-year 2026 operating expenses are projected between $162 billion and $169 billion, reflecting not only capital investments but also higher compensation for AI talent. Reports earlier in the year suggested Meta could pursue layoffs of 20% or more of its workforce to offset costs and leverage productivity gains from AI itself, though the company described such speculation as theoretical.

The shift toward a more capital-intensive model marks a departure from Meta’s historically lean software roots. Investors have grown accustomed to high operating margins, which stood near 41% in recent quarters but face downward pressure as depreciation from new data centers accelerates and energy costs rise. Free cash flow, while still robust, is expected to moderate as the company prioritizes long-term AI leadership over near-term shareholder returns.

Regulatory and legal headwinds add another layer of complexity. Meta continues to navigate antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe, as well as ongoing litigation related to user safety and content moderation. Earlier in 2026, the company faced court losses in cases involving youth protection, contributing to temporary share price weakness. Despite these challenges, advertising demand has remained resilient, with many brands viewing Meta’s platforms as essential for reaching consumers.

Zuckerberg has repeatedly emphasized that 2026 will be a foundational year for AI across Meta’s products, with plans to deliver more personalized experiences and new generative tools. The company’s open-source Llama models have gained traction among developers, though recent shifts toward more proprietary approaches, including Muse Spark, signal a evolving strategy to compete directly with closed models from OpenAI, Google and Anthropic.

Looking ahead to the April 29 earnings release, key metrics to watch include advertising revenue growth, the contribution of AI-powered features, user metrics for Threads and Reels, and any commentary on the trajectory of capital spending. Management previously guided for Q1 revenue in the $53.5 billion to $56.5 billion range, which would represent healthy year-over-year expansion even if it falls short of the explosive growth seen in prior recovery periods.

Broader market context on Monday showed technology stocks trading with caution as oil prices rose on Middle East developments. Meta’s slight decline mirrored moves in other mega-cap names sensitive to interest rate expectations and macro risks. The stock remains well above its 2025 lows but trades below peaks reached in late 2025, reflecting a valuation that some analysts view as more reasonable given the spending backdrop.

For long-term investors, Meta’s story centers on its unparalleled user scale and ability to integrate AI deeply into daily digital experiences. Success in turning heavy infrastructure investments into sustained revenue growth — whether through higher ad pricing, new subscription offerings or enterprise AI services — could justify the current outlays. Failure to demonstrate clear returns, however, could prolong margin pressure and weigh on the share price.

Meta’s balance sheet provides significant flexibility, with substantial cash reserves supporting both the AI buildout and potential shareholder-friendly actions such as dividends or buybacks once spending stabilizes. The company has already returned capital through repurchases in recent years, though the priority remains funding growth initiatives.

As trading progressed Monday morning, the 1.71% drop appeared driven more by pre-earnings caution and sector rotation than any company-specific negative news. Volume was not unusually heavy, suggesting many investors were holding positions rather than rushing for the exits.

With earnings just nine days away, market participants will scrutinize not only the headline numbers but also forward-looking signals on AI efficiency, competitive positioning and cost discipline. Zuckerberg’s vision of “personal superintelligence” for billions of users has captured imagination, but delivering on that promise while maintaining profitability will test Meta’s execution in 2026 and beyond.

Meta Platforms Inc., once focused almost exclusively on social connection, has transformed into one of the leading players in the global AI infrastructure race. Monday’s modest decline to $676.79 served as a quiet reminder of the balancing act the company must perform: investing boldly for the future without alienating investors focused on near-term financial discipline.

Whether the upcoming earnings report reinforces confidence in Meta’s AI strategy or heightens concerns about spending will likely set the tone for the stock’s performance heading into the summer. For now, Wall Street remains divided between those who see the current levels as an attractive entry point and those wary of further compression in margins.

NEW YORK — Shares of Kaspi.kz JSC surged more than 7% in early Monday trading on April 20, 2026, rising $6.69 to $91.60 as investors cheered the Kazakh fintech giant’s recent approval of a substantial cash dividend and growing confidence in its super app ecosystem amid regional expansion.

The American Depositary Receipts of Kaspi.kz (NASDAQ: KSPI), which operates one of Central Asia’s most successful digital banking and e-commerce platforms, climbed on solid volume following last week’s annual general meeting where shareholders approved a KZT 850 per share dividend for 2025 results. The payout, which began on April 15, underscores the company’s commitment to returning capital while maintaining robust growth in payments, lending and marketplace services.

Kaspi.kz has transformed from a traditional bank into a dominant “super app” in Kazakhstan, serving more than 25 million consumers and nearly 900,000 merchants with integrated services ranging from mobile payments and installment loans to e-commerce and government services. The platform’s high user engagement has driven consistent revenue and profit expansion, making it one of the standout emerging market fintech stories since its Nasdaq listing in early 2024.

The latest dividend equates to a meaningful yield for ADR holders after currency conversion, reinforcing the stock’s appeal to income-focused investors. At the April 15 annual meeting in Almaty, shareholders also approved the 2025 audited financial statements and reappointed Deloitte as external auditor. The company set a record date of April 14 for common shares and April 16 for ADS holders, ensuring timely distribution of the cash dividend via wire transfers.

Analysts highlighted the payout as a positive signal of financial health and disciplined capital allocation. With Q1 2026 financial results scheduled for release on May 11, accompanied by a conference call and webcast at 8 a.m. ET, investors appear to be positioning ahead of what many expect will be another strong quarterly update showing continued loan growth, deposit inflows and marketplace transaction volume.

“Kaspi.kz continues to execute flawlessly in a challenging regional environment,” one emerging markets analyst noted. “The combination of a generous dividend, resilient core banking margins and successful diversification into e-commerce has supported premium valuations even as global fintech peers face headwinds.”

The company’s performance has benefited from Kazakhstan’s relatively stable macroeconomic backdrop compared to some neighboring markets, along with high smartphone penetration that has accelerated digital adoption. Kaspi’s super app model allows seamless switching between banking, shopping and utility payments within a single interface, creating strong network effects and customer stickiness.

Beyond its home market, Kaspi.kz has pursued strategic international moves, including a significant stake in Turkish e-commerce platform Hepsiburada. This exposure provides potential upside from Turkey’s larger consumer base while diversifying away from pure reliance on the Kazakh economy. Analysts have pointed to possible further expansion in Central Asia or adjacent regions as long-term growth drivers.

The stock’s 7.88% gain on Monday extended a solid year-to-date performance, though it has traded with volatility typical of emerging market names sensitive to commodity prices, currency fluctuations and geopolitical developments. Oil-rich Kazakhstan’s economy remains tied to energy exports, but Kaspi’s focus on consumer finance and digital services has provided a buffer against raw material cycles.

Short interest in the ADR had grown in recent months, creating potential for a squeeze as positive catalysts emerge. The dividend approval appears to have alleviated some concerns about capital returns, while the upcoming earnings will offer fresh insight into loan quality, asset growth and any updates on international initiatives.

Company leadership has emphasized technology investments and risk management as keys to sustained profitability. Kaspi maintains conservative underwriting standards in its lending business, which has helped keep non-performing loans low even during periods of economic uncertainty. Its payments segment benefits from low-cost digital infrastructure, supporting healthy net interest margins and fee income.

Wall Street coverage remains generally constructive, with consensus price targets clustering around $100, implying further upside from current levels. Some analysts maintain a “Hold” rating with targets near $87, while others see room for expansion if the company successfully scales its marketplace and cross-border ambitions. The wide range of forecasts — from the low $80s to above $140 in more bullish scenarios — reflects both enthusiasm for the business model and typical caution around emerging market risks.

Kaspi.kz faces competition from traditional banks and newer digital entrants, but its first-mover advantage and ecosystem lock-in have proven difficult to replicate. Regulatory oversight in Kazakhstan has been supportive of fintech innovation, though any tightening of consumer lending rules could pose a headwind. Currency risk, with the tenge’s movements against the dollar, also influences ADR performance for U.S. investors.

The broader context for Monday’s trading included mixed global markets, with energy prices rising on geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Kaspi’s resilience in such an environment highlights the defensive qualities of its diversified digital revenue streams.

Looking ahead, the May 11 earnings release will be closely watched for metrics on active users, transaction volumes, loan origination growth and any commentary on margin trends or expansion plans. Management is expected to address the integration of recent investments and the trajectory of its Turkish exposure through Hepsiburada.

For retail and institutional investors alike, Kaspi.kz represents a rare pure-play exposure to high-growth digital finance in Central Asia. The combination of strong dividends — projected by some observers to offer yields approaching 9% in certain scenarios — and organic business expansion has attracted long-term holders seeking both income and capital appreciation.

The ADR’s performance on April 20 reflected renewed buying interest after the dividend went ex and as traders anticipated positive momentum into the earnings period. While not every session will deliver double-digit percentage moves, the underlying fundamentals suggest continued investor interest in a company that has consistently delivered on its promises since going public.

As Kaspi.kz prepares its first-quarter update, the market appears to be pricing in sustained leadership in Kazakhstan’s fintech landscape and measured progress on international fronts. Whether the upcoming results confirm or exceed expectations will likely set the tone for the stock through the remainder of 2026.

With a market position that blends banking stability with tech-driven innovation, Kaspi.kz continues to stand out among global fintech names. Monday’s 7.88% advance served as a reminder of the company’s ability to reward shareholders through both operational excellence and attractive capital returns.

This article was written by

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Red Lobster is bringing back its famous “Endless Shrimp” promotion starting Monday, marking a surprising revival of one of its most recognizable all-you-can-eat offerings.

The deal will return for a limited time at select locations, the company said. One Red Lobster location told FOX Business that the new offering will be priced at $24.99 per person, up from $20 in 2024, when it most recently appeared on menus. Other locations have reportedly priced the promotion at $29.99, according to USA Today.

Five different shrimp varieties – including a new flavor, “Marry Me Shrimp,” inspired by internet culture – will be offered with a choice of side: 

• Marry Me Shrimp: Shrimp in tomato cream sauce with a garlic and herb crumble topping
• Shrimp Linguini Alfredo: Shrimp in Alfredo sauce over linguini
• Walt’s Favorite Shrimp: Hand-breaded and lightly fried butterflied shrimp served with cocktail sauce
• Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Shrimp sautéed in a garlic lemon butter sauce
• Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp: Hand-breaded jumbo coconut shrimp served with piña colada sauce

RED LOBSTER CONSIDERING MORE RESTAURANT CLOSURES, CEO SAYS

Multiple offerings from Red Lobster’s 2026 endless shrimp deal. (Red Lobster)

The deal was discontinued in 2024 after it was widely cited as a factor in the company’s disastrous financial loss ahead of its bankruptcy filing, which led to the closure of 130 restaurants.

While the company previously signaled it would not bring the promotion back, strong customer demand and a recent surge in engagement have led Red Lobster to reconsider its long-running, two-decade “legacy,” the Orlando-based chain announced Monday.

RED LOBSTER LOOKS TO REVIVE ‘ENDLESS SHRIMP’ AFTER PROMOTION HELPED SINK FINANCES: REPORT

“After thousands of social media mentions since it last appeared on menus, Red Lobster, the iconic seafood restaurant brand, is announcing the return of one of its most popular experiences, for a limited time: Endless Shrimp,” it said.

Red Lobster’s “Marry Me” meal is part of the restaurant chain’s 2026 endless shrimp promotion. (Red Lobster)

The previous Endless Shrimp offering – a $20 menu item that became a permanent fixture in 2023 after being intermittently offered over 20 years – was widely seen as a marketing success that ultimately turned into a financial strain when demand overwhelmed supply costs.

It accounted for $11 million of the company’s $76 million net loss in 2023, Reuters reported.

RED LOBSTER CLEARED TO EXIT CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION

When Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun took over in late 2024 to guide the chain out of bankruptcy, he initially ruled out bringing the promotion back, “because I know how to do math,” according to Today.

Damola Adamolekun became the CEO of struggling seafood chain Red Lobster in 2024. (Fortress Investment Group)

However, the company now appears to be revisiting that stance, with Adamolekun signaling a renewed focus on the in-demand offering in a statement Monday.

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“This is about putting our guests first and bringing back something they truly love,” he said. “Endless Shrimp has been a part of Red Lobster’s legacy for 20 years and our guests have never stopped asking for it. We’re excited to bring it back, for a limited time, in a way that works for our business today and honors what made it special from the beginning. Because when our fans talk, we listen.”