S&P 500 and Nasdaq Hit Fresh Highs as Tech Rally and Earnings Lift Markets

Sat, 02 May 2026 20:43:00 +0200

Markets began May on a positive note as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite advanced to new record highs, driven largely by strong corporate earnings and a renewed rally in technology shares. Apple’s latest results, which beat sales expectations, helped push its stock up about 3.3% and provided additional momentum to the broader tech‑oriented Nasdaq index. The Nasdaq finished the day up roughly 0.9%, while the S&P 500 gained around 0.3%, both extending their best monthly gains since 2020. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged slightly lower, reflecting the more growth‑oriented tilt of the other two benchmarks. Oil prices dipped after Iran submitted a new negotiation proposal to the U.S. through intermediaries, sending Brent crude futures down about 2% to around 108.17 dollars a barrel. Despite this partial easing in energy‑market tensions, investors remain cautious about the ongoing Middle East conflict and its potential to reignite volatility. President Trump publicly criti