S&P 500 Closes at 7,499.36 After Strongest Quarter Since 2020

The S&P 500 rose 0.8% on July 1 to close at 7,499.36, capping a nearly 15% quarterly gain that marks its strongest performance since 2020. The advance accelerated through late June as the index traded at a 14% quarter-to-date gain, powered by technology and semiconductor shares amid improving risk appetite. The Nasdaq surged more than 21% for the quarter while the Dow added roughly 13%, with AI-driven optimism and resilient corporate earnings outweighing geopolitical and rate concerns. Historical patterns suggest further gains are likely after such quarters.