S&P 500 Logs Best Month Since 2020 at 7,209, Shaking Off Iran Oil Shock

The S&P 500 rocketed 10.4% in April to close at 7,209.01, its strongest monthly gain since 2020, powered by a tech and semiconductor rally. Investors shrugged off Iran-driven oil risks as AI and chip stocks like those in the PHLX Semiconductor Index (+38.4%) led the charge, with Nasdaq soaring 15.3% and Dow up 7.1%. Though gains were narrow with megacaps dominant and VIX near 17 signaling hedges, the momentum hints at sustained risk appetite amid low put-call ratios.