The US stock market began trading on a mixed note on Thursday, as a pullback in several artificial-intelligence-linked stocks offset broader gains across the market, while easing oil prices provided support to investor sentiment. The S&P 500 gained 0.02% to 7,555.08 after retreating from its record high a day earlier, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.58% to 26,699.34 as losses among major technology stocks weighed on the index. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 709.52 points, or 1.40%, by 8:15 pm.
Oil Prices and Market Sentiment
Majority stocks on Wall Street moved higher as oil prices declined. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 2.6% to $95.18 a barrel, reversing part of the gains recorded earlier in the week following renewed fighting involving Iran, the United States, and its allies. Market participants appeared hopeful that the United States and Iran would eventually reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers. Such a move would improve crude supplies globally and could help reduce oil prices.
Technology Sector Pressures
Although more US companies reported quarterly profits above analysts’ forecasts, several stocks still came under pressure, particularly within the technology sector. Concerns have emerged that AI-related shares may have advanced too rapidly, with analysts suggesting the broader US stock market could be due for a slowdown after the S&P 500 recorded nine consecutive winning weeks, its longest such run since 2023.
"The rapid rise in AI stocks has raised concerns about sustainability," said an unnamed analyst.
Bond Market Movements
In the bond market, Treasury yields moved lower alongside oil prices. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note eased to 4.46% from 4.49% late on Wednesday. Lower yields can help reduce pressure on stock valuations and support broader economic activity.
| Index | Change | Closing Value |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | +0.02% | 7,555.08 |
| Nasdaq Composite | -0.58% | 26,699.34 |
| Dow Jones Industrial Average | +1.40% | 709.52 points |
Global Market Reactions
Overseas markets also delivered a mixed performance. European indexes were mixed after a weaker trading session in Asia. Among the larger declines in the region, South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.8%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.5%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.4%.
