Nasdaq closes at all-time high on AI, earnings optimism

The Nasdaq (US Tech 100) closed at a record high as AI-led tech strength and upbeat earnings kept markets bid. The Nasdaq rose 312 points (+1.2%) to 26,656 while the S&P 500 (US SP 500) also hit an all-time high at 7,519; the Dow (Wall Street 30) lagged, slipping 118 points to 50,462. Micron’s surge — its market value briefly topped $1 trillion after an upgraded UBS call — helped fuel the rally in chip and AI-linked names. Treasury yields retreated, easing inflation worries, and consumer confidence ticked up, supporting risk appetite. Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and volatile oil (WTI) kept some caution, but overall momentum remained positive as strong corporate earnings and hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough underpinned equities.