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U.S. stocks extend record rally
U.S. equities opened higher as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq extended a record-setting run, with investors focusing on strong earnings and improving sentiment. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% and the Nasdaq added 0.6%, putting markets on pace for another strong weekly advance.
Dell jumps on AI-driven demand
Dell Technologies surged 33% after reporting profits above expectations and raising its outlook, driven by strong demand for AI computing. The sharp move made Dell one of the day’s biggest market drivers and reinforced investor enthusiasm for AI-related hardware spending.
Wall Street shrugs off inflation worries
Stocks gained despite concerns about inflation and the economic effects of the Iran conflict, suggesting investors were prioritizing earnings strength over macro risks. Lower oil prices also helped reduce some immediate pressure on inflation expectations.
Oil prices ease on ceasefire hopes
Brent crude fell 1.8% and U.S. crude dropped 1.5% as reports said the United States and Iran were working toward extending the ceasefire arrangement. The retreat in oil prices eased market anxiety after earlier disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz disruptions remain a major risk
The conflict has disrupted oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route handling roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade. That has kept energy markets on edge and raised fuel and transportation costs for businesses and consumers.
Treasury yields stay steady
The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note was unchanged at 4.45% as falling oil prices offset some inflation concerns. Stable yields suggest bond investors were not materially changing their expectations for near-term policy or inflation.
Global markets mostly follow U.S. gains
Markets in Europe and Asia traded mostly higher, reflecting broad risk appetite across regions. The move suggested that optimism around earnings and easing geopolitical pressure was not limited to U.S. trading.
Goldman Sachs sees near-record M&A activity
Goldman Sachs said it is on track for near-record merger and acquisition volumes in 2026, with backlogs described as strong. The bank’s outlook points to a healthy pipeline for corporate deal-making even amid uncertain macro conditions.
Deal-making momentum stays strong
Goldman’s comments indicate that corporate boards and buyers are still active, with activity remaining strong across pipelines. If sustained, that would support advisory fees and broader investment-banking revenue.
AI spending continues to drive market leadership
Dell’s surge highlights how AI infrastructure demand is reshaping market performance, with hardware and computing suppliers benefiting from the investment wave. The reaction underscores AI as a major earnings and valuation theme in business markets.