Eric Criscuolo, NYSE Market Strategist, recaps a sharp V‑shaped rally as markets rebounded from late‑March lows to push the S&P 500 to new record highs despite recent Middle East tensions. Falling oil prices, easing volatility, and renewed strength across mega‑cap tech, software, and higher‑risk thematic stocks reinforced investors’ “buy the dip” mindset, while early bank earnings pointed to a resilient economic backdrop. Looking ahead, attention shifts to a busy earnings calendar, key economic data, and lingering geopolitical and AI‑driven uncertainties.