The major indexes closed mixed after another big day of bank woes rocked the market. Investors seem unable to shake the First Republic Bank (FRC) deposit buzz, combined with a sense of fragility regarding incoming rate hikes and some of the biggest earnings reports this season. Also coloring the backdrop of Wednesday was Microsoft (MSFT), which posted upbeat earnings late last night.

OIL EYES NEGATIVE APRIL PERFORMANCE

The broader economic outlook and weaker demand has sent oil futures lower for the day and shifted the commodity's monthly performance into a loss as well, with only a few days left to turn things back around. The now most-active, June-dated crude dropped $2.77, or 3.6%, to close at $74.30 per barrel.

Gold also moved lower, back below the key $2,000 level following heightening banking concerns. June-dated gold shed $8.50 or 0.4%, to settle at $1,996 an ounce.

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