Wall St opens higher as AI stocks advance, oil slides

Major U.S. stock indices opened higher on Monday, buoyed by broad-based gains in artificial intelligence equities and a sharp pullback in crude oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 254.1 points, or 0.49%, to reach 51,936.76 at the opening bell. Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P 500 advanced 42.3 points, or 0.55%, to 7,692.83, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 200.6 points, or 0.76%, to trade at 26,723.19. The upward momentum across Wall Street was reinforced by easing macroeconomic pressures, as benchmark Treasury yields retreated and crude oil prices dropped more than 2% to an 11-day low amid signs of progress in Middle East diplomatic negotiations. Falling energy prices and moderating bond yields provided strong tailwinds for high-growth technology and semiconductor shares, improving overall risk appetite. If geopolitical tensions continue to de-escalate and energy costs remain subdued, equity markets are likely to maintain positive momentum across upcoming trading sessions.