Business News›Markets›US Stocks›News›US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Highlights: Dow climbs 790 pts, S&P scales 7,200-mark as earnings offset oil shock
LIVE BLOG
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Highlights: Dow climbs 790 pts, S&P scales 7,200-mark as earnings offset oil shock
01 May 2026 | 01:43:51 AM ISTSynopsis
Dow Jones Today | US Stock Market Highlights: U.S. stocks advanced on Thursday and the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq logged their biggest monthly gains in years as solid corporate earnings offset the war-related oil supply shock that has rattled markets and sent crude prices to four-year highs.
Dow Jones Today | Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Highlights: U.S. stocks traded higher, with the S&P 500 gaining 74.29 points, or 1.04%, to end at 7,210.24 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 223.15 points, or 0.90%, to 24,890.36. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 796.27 points, or 1.63%, to 49,658.08.
Brent hits near 4-year high on US-Iran escalation fears
Brent crude futures surged to their highest level in nearly four years amid fears of prolonged disruption to global oil supplies, after an Axios report said U.S. President Donald Trump was set to be briefed by the head of U.S. Central Command on fresh plans for possible military action against Iran. Prices later eased but continued to trade above $110 a barrel.
Powell signals caution as Fed keeps rates unchanged
Investors were also assessing commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday. The central bank voted to keep interest rates unchanged, but three officials signaled that inflation was too high to signal a bias toward rate cuts.
Show moreBrent hits near 4-year high on US-Iran escalation fears
Brent crude futures surged to their highest level in nearly four years amid fears of prolonged disruption to global oil supplies, after an Axios report said U.S. President Donald Trump was set to be briefed by the head of U.S. Central Command on fresh plans for possible military action against Iran. Prices later eased but continued to trade above $110 a barrel.
Powell signals caution as Fed keeps rates unchanged
Investors were also assessing commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday. The central bank voted to keep interest rates unchanged, but three officials signaled that inflation was too high to signal a bias toward rate cuts.
1 New Update
US stocks today: US market ends higher, S&P 500, Nasdaq notch biggest monthly gains in years
U.S. stocks advanced on Thursday and the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq logged their biggest monthly gains in years as solid corporate earnings offset the war-related oil supply shock that has rattled markets and sent crude prices to four-year highs. The S&P 500 gained 74.29 points, or 1.04%, to end at 7,210.24 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 223.15 points, or 0.90%, to 24,890.36. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 796.27 points, or 1.63%, to 49,658.08.(Read more)
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Brent oil surges past $114 before before settling lower at $109
Brent crude oil swung sharply on Wednesday, spiking to an overnight high of $114.70 per barrel before retreating toward $107 and settling at $109.08, down 1.2%, as volatile trading gripped the market for July delivery contracts.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: S&P 500 climbs 75 points, gains over 1% as rally holds into close
The S&P 500 posted a solid session gain, rising 75.41 points, or 1.06%, to 7,211.36 — building steadily from its previous close of 7,135.95 as buyers maintained a firm grip through the afternoon, pushing the index to session highs near 7,220.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dow surges over 800 points higher, eyes 50,000 as rally roars on
The Dow Jones Industrial Average powered higher, surging 855.97 points, or 1.75%, to 49,717.78 — extending a relentless session-long rally well above its previous close of 48,861.81 as buying momentum showed no signs of fading into the close.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: China, US economic officials trade barbs in 'candid' call ahead of Trump-Xi summit
The top U.S. and Chinese economic officials held "candid" talks on Thursday ahead of a meeting set for May between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, with both sides raising complaints about the other's trade policies, the U.S. Treasury and Chinese state media said.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X that he spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss Trump's travel to Beijing, planned for May 14-15.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X that he spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss Trump's travel to Beijing, planned for May 14-15.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US natural gas futures hit three-week high as output drops and LNG exports stay strong
U.S. natural gas futures climbed about 5% to a three-week high on Thursday on forecasts for more demand this week than previously expected, near-record liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and a drop in output over the last month.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: U.S. Treasury yields ease as oil retreats from four-year high
U.S. Treasury yields eased on Thursday as oil prices pulled back from a four-year high and traders continued to digest a Federal Reserve meeting that struck a more hawkish tone than many had anticipated. Global oil prices fell after hitting a four-year high above $126 a barrel earlier on Thursday, amid concerns the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran could lead to a protracted Middle East supply disruption and hurt global economic growth.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Trump signs order authorizing Bridger's Canada-Wyoming crude pipeline
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order authorizing the Bridger Pipeline's proposed project to transport Canadian crude from the U.S.-Canada border to Wyoming.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Eli Lilly jumps 10.50%, stock gains $89 in single session
Eli Lilly gained 10.3% after the drugmaker raised its annual profit forecast on sustained weight-loss drug demand.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US Senate bans its own members and staff from betting in prediction markets
The Senate has approved a bipartisan resolution to prevent its own members from using prediction markets, banning senators who are often privy to sensitive information from making bets on upcoming events.
The measure that passed unanimously by voice vote Thursday was written as a change to the Senate’s rules, so it will go into effect immediately. It comes a week after a U.S. special forces soldier was charged with using classified information to bet on the January capture of Venezuela's then-president, Nicolas Maduro, and as lawmakers increasingly voice concerns about who might be making public wagers on the war with Iran.
The measure that passed unanimously by voice vote Thursday was written as a change to the Senate’s rules, so it will go into effect immediately. It comes a week after a U.S. special forces soldier was charged with using classified information to bet on the January capture of Venezuela's then-president, Nicolas Maduro, and as lawmakers increasingly voice concerns about who might be making public wagers on the war with Iran.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Trump says US to remove whiskey tariffs, ease Scotland–Kentucky trade
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would be removing tariffs and restrictions related to Scotland's ability to work with the state of Kentucky on whiskey and bourbon.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Auto parts supplier LKQ beats quarterly revenue estimates on strong North America demand
Shares of the Tennessee-based auto parts supplier rose 3% after it reported stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue of $3.47 billion, though earnings slightly missed estimates. The company said it is implementing cost and restructuring measures to counter macro pressures, while noting continued strength in North America and early signs of stabilisation in Europe.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Payment networks spotlight spending resilience with upbeat quarter
Mastercard joined Visa and American Express in posting a quarterly profit beat on Thursday, highlighting spending resilience as well as allaying fears of a slowdown in the face of growing pressures.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Gold up on dollar, oil price drop; headed for second straight monthly decline
Gold rose on Thursday on a softer U.S. dollar and easing oil prices, but remained on track for a second straight monthly decline as inflation concerns amid the ongoing Iran war clouded the outlook for interest rate cuts.
Spot gold was up 1.7% at $4,618.67 per ounce by 01:46 p.m. EDT (1746 GMT), after falling to a one-month low on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures settled 1.5% higher at $4,629.60.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Valero to run refineries up to 95% of capacity in Q2 2026, conf call
Valero Energy Corp is running its 13 refineries in the United States and Britain at up to 95% of their combined total throughput capacity of 3 million barrels per day (bpd).
The refineries will operate in a range between 92% and 95% in the second quarter, the company said in a conference call on Thursday to discuss first-quarter results.
The company's 380,000-bpd Port Arthur, Texas, refinery is restarting the large crude distillation unit (CDU) after the refinery was shut because of a March 23 explosion and fire on a hydrotreater, and expects to return the refinery to "fairly normal" production rates by May 1.
The refineries will operate in a range between 92% and 95% in the second quarter, the company said in a conference call on Thursday to discuss first-quarter results.
The company's 380,000-bpd Port Arthur, Texas, refinery is restarting the large crude distillation unit (CDU) after the refinery was shut because of a March 23 explosion and fire on a hydrotreater, and expects to return the refinery to "fairly normal" production rates by May 1.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Quanta raises 2026 profit forecast on robust power demand from AI data centers
- Energy contractor Quanta Services on Thursday forecast 2026 profit above Wall Street estimates after reporting better-than-expected quarterly profit as strong demand from large load industries such as AI data centers boosted earnings, sending its shares up 14.5%.
- The Houston, Texas-based company now sees 2026 adjusted profit between $13.55 and $14.25 per share, which is above analysts' average estimate of $13.09 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
- The company — which provides infrastructure services for utility, renewable energy, power generation, communications, pipeline and energy industries — benefited from robust investments in artificial intelligence data centers from hyperscalers.
- Quanta's adjusted profit rose to $2.68 per share in the quarter ended March 31, up from $1.78 per share a year ago.
- Quanta's shares were trading 14% higher at $720.47
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: KFC China grows on delivery boom but faces tighter margins
An explosion of food deliveries is reshaping KFC China, the country’s largest restaurant brand, boosting sales but squeezing margins.
Delivery sales at the brand grew 33% year-on-year and contributed roughly 55% of total sales, up from 43% last year, parent company Yum China reported Wednesday.
Yum China's total same-store sales were flat, although new restaurants pushed sales up 4%, and its operating profit grew 12% to $447 million. Food delivery in China has become intensely competitive over the last year, with e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com aggressively pursuing market share by offering coupons and discounts on products across menus, from ice cream and takeaway coffees to KFC's fried chicken.
So-called "instant retail" - goods delivered within the hour - has drawn scrutiny from Chinese regulators who have repeatedly warned against race-to-the-bottom competition among food delivery firms.
Delivery sales at the brand grew 33% year-on-year and contributed roughly 55% of total sales, up from 43% last year, parent company Yum China reported Wednesday.
Yum China's total same-store sales were flat, although new restaurants pushed sales up 4%, and its operating profit grew 12% to $447 million. Food delivery in China has become intensely competitive over the last year, with e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com aggressively pursuing market share by offering coupons and discounts on products across menus, from ice cream and takeaway coffees to KFC's fried chicken.
So-called "instant retail" - goods delivered within the hour - has drawn scrutiny from Chinese regulators who have repeatedly warned against race-to-the-bottom competition among food delivery firms.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Walmart breaks its no-frills mold with in-store beauty experts and personalized advice
Walmart customers may find something new the next time they're looking for makeup and skin care products: in-store advisers offering personalized tips and recommendations.
The massive retail chain is breaking out of its no-frills service model by staffing its beauty aisles with trained specialists who can suggest foundation shades to match a shopper's skin tone or knows about a moisturizer trending on TikTok.
The roles were filled at 22 stores in Arkansas and Texas in recent months, and Walmart expects to have them in more than 400 of its 4,600 namesake U.S. stores by year-end.
The massive retail chain is breaking out of its no-frills service model by staffing its beauty aisles with trained specialists who can suggest foundation shades to match a shopper's skin tone or knows about a moisturizer trending on TikTok.
The roles were filled at 22 stores in Arkansas and Texas in recent months, and Walmart expects to have them in more than 400 of its 4,600 namesake U.S. stores by year-end.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Bill Ackman says retail traders caused sudden drop in new closed-end fund
Billionaire Bill Ackman on Thursday blamed retail investors for the sudden drop in his newly listed closed-end fund's stock price on Wednesday and said he expects the price to rebound.
The hedge fund manager also told journalists that he and his employees put hundreds of millions in capital into the new vehicle.
Fellow hedge fund manager Marc Lasry and other prominent investors including the family office of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg were among institutional investors.
The hedge fund manager also told journalists that he and his employees put hundreds of millions in capital into the new vehicle.
Fellow hedge fund manager Marc Lasry and other prominent investors including the family office of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg were among institutional investors.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US farm agency to restructure food and nutrition agency, move staff from Washington
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Thursday it will restructure its food and nutrition agency and relocate employees of the agency out of Washington, D.C. to other locations.
The move is the latest by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to relocate most of the USDA's Washington staff to regional hubs.
The agency's food and nutrition arm oversees 16 nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, child nutrition programs and emergency food assistance.
The move is the latest by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to relocate most of the USDA's Washington staff to regional hubs.
The agency's food and nutrition arm oversees 16 nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, child nutrition programs and emergency food assistance.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Nasdaq erases loses, climbs 0.50%
The Nasdaq Composite staged a sharp turnaround on Wednesday, gaining 124.47 points, or 0.50%, to 24,797.71 — well above its previous close of 24,673.24 — after sliding deep into the red earlier in the session. The index clawed back from a session low near 24,500 as buyers returned to drive a broad tech recovery through the afternoon.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Iran threatens painful response if US renews attacks
Iran said on Thursday it would respond with "long and painful strikes" on U.S. positions if Washington renewed attacks, and also reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. plans for a coalition to reopen the waterway. Two months into the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, the vital sea channel remains closed, choking off 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US House sets Thursday vote on Senate-passed DHS funding bill
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives scheduled a vote for early Thursday afternoon on a Senate-passed bill to fund Department of Homeland Security agencies including the Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Average US long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.3%, ending a 3-week slide
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose this week, pushing up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers in the midst of the spring homebuying season.
The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.3% from 6.23% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s still down from one year ago, when the rate averaged 6.76%.
The increase ends a three-week slide, bringing the average rate back to where it was two weeks ago.
The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.3% from 6.23% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s still down from one year ago, when the rate averaged 6.76%.
The increase ends a three-week slide, bringing the average rate back to where it was two weeks ago.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US consumer finance watchdog finalizes new rule on small lending data
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday finalized regulations to replace a Biden-era requirement for banks to collect demographic data on small business borrowers, according to a Federal Register notice.
The changes to the rule, which was mandated by Congress following the 2008 financial crisis, mark the Trump administration's latest rollback of regulations intended to help prevent bias against racial and social minorities.
The changes to the rule, which was mandated by Congress following the 2008 financial crisis, mark the Trump administration's latest rollback of regulations intended to help prevent bias against racial and social minorities.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dollar slides against yen after Japan's reported currency intervention
The U.S. dollar fell sharply against the yen on Thursday after Japanese authorities were reported to have intervened in foreign exchange markets to support their currency, while oil prices retreated from four‑year highs as investors assessed risks from the Middle East conflict.
Officials had intervened to buy the yen, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, after it hit its weakest against the dollar since July 2024.
The dollar fell by as much as 3% against the yen to 155.5 yen, making for the largest single-day drop since late December 2024. It was last down 2.36% at 156.51 yen.
Officials had intervened to buy the yen, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, after it hit its weakest against the dollar since July 2024.
The dollar fell by as much as 3% against the yen to 155.5 yen, making for the largest single-day drop since late December 2024. It was last down 2.36% at 156.51 yen.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Nasdaq top gainers
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Caterpillar expects AI-driven demand for power, construction to fuel growth
Caterpillar raised its annual and long-term revenue forecasts on Thursday, as an AI-focused data center boom creates record order backlog for its power generation and backup equipment, underscoring strong momentum for the business in the coming years.
Shares of the company rose as much as 9.7% to a record high, putting the stock on track for its best day in six months.
Shares of the company rose as much as 9.7% to a record high, putting the stock on track for its best day in six months.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Brent eases to $109.82, down 0.6% amid demand-supply shifts
Oil prices pulled back after earlier gains, with Brent crude last trading at $109.82, down 0.6%, after briefly slipping toward $107. The move reflects ongoing volatility as traders assess changing demand-supply dynamics in the global oil market.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dow surges 734 points, nears 49,600 as rally gathers full steam
The Dow Jones Industrial Average extended its strong rally on Wednesday, surging 734.20 points, or 1.50%, to 49,596.01 — pushing further above its previous close of 48,861.81 as buying momentum continued to build steadily through the session.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: AI-related investment, rebound in government spending drive US economy in first quarter
U.S. economic growth picked up in the first quarter as businesses boosted investment in artificial intelligence and government spending rebounded after a crippling shutdown, but the improvement is likely temporary, with the war with Iran raising inflation and eroding household purchasing power.
The Commerce Department's advance estimate of gross domestic product on Thursday showed consumer spending, the economy's main engine, losing further momentum last quarter even before the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran raised the average U.S. gasoline price to above $4 a gallon.
The Commerce Department's advance estimate of gross domestic product on Thursday showed consumer spending, the economy's main engine, losing further momentum last quarter even before the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran raised the average U.S. gasoline price to above $4 a gallon.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dow surges 624 Points, extends gains as bulls take charge
The Dow Jones Industrial Average extended its rally on Wednesday, climbing 624.57 points, or 1.28%, to 49,486.38 — building on earlier gains and pulling further above its previous close of 48,861.81 as buying momentum strengthened through the session.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dow Jones top losers
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US telecom agency votes to expand tech crackdown on China
The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to advance a proposal to bar all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras and computers for use in the United States.
The FCC is also set take an initial vote on Thursday on a separate proposal to bar three major Chinese telecom companies from operating their data centers in the U.S. and could ban telecom carriers from connecting with those Chinese carriers.
The FCC is also set take an initial vote on Thursday on a separate proposal to bar three major Chinese telecom companies from operating their data centers in the U.S. and could ban telecom carriers from connecting with those Chinese carriers.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US solicits exchange of up to 92.5 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserve
The U.S. Department of Energy is soliciting an exchange of up to 92,500,000 barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve, according to a request for proposals released on Thursday.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US natural gas futures rise as output falls and LNG exports stay high
U.S. natural gas futures climbed about 2% to a one-week high on Thursday on forecasts for more demand this week than previously expected, near-record liquefied natural gas exports and a drop in output over the last month.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Trump administration weighing measures to soon increase US oil output, Hassett says
The Trump administration is talking to oil companies and considering measures to increase production in the United States "really soon" to ease the impact of the Iran war on energy supplies, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Thursday.
"We've been in constant communication with the oil companies, and have been considering measures that we could take here in the U.S. to increase U.S. production really soon," Hassett told reporters at the White House.
"We've been in constant communication with the oil companies, and have been considering measures that we could take here in the U.S. to increase U.S. production really soon," Hassett told reporters at the White House.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Kevin Warsh wanted a family fight at the Fed. Oil has provided the spark
Kevin Warsh says he wants a vigorous family fight about monetary policy at the U.S. Federal Reserve when he takes over as chair. It broke out before he arrived. "Welcome to the new Fed era of dissent," Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long said after four of the Fed's 12 voters dissented against the latest policy statement, the largest set of defections since 1992. (Read)
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Microsoft falls over 5% as tech selloff weighs on shares
Microsoft shares dropped 5.3% to $401.94, shedding $22.42 as selling pressure gripped the tech sector. The stock slipped well below its previous close of $424.46, reflecting investor caution amid broader concerns around AI spending and valuations.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dow Jones top gainers
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Meta plunges 10% as AI spending surge spooks investors
Shares of Meta Platforms slumped about 10% despite stronger-than-expected quarterly profit, as investors focused on the company’s sharply higher spending plans. The Facebook and Instagram parent forecast annual capital expenditure of $125 billion to $145 billion to build out its artificial intelligence infrastructure, raising concerns over margins and returns.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Dow jumps over 430 points, gains nearly 0.9%
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 430.12 points, or 0.88%, to 49,291.93, building on positive momentum as investors rotated into blue-chip stocks. The index moved well above its previous close of 48,861.81, reflecting strong buying interest.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Amazon slips nearly 1% as early gains fade
Amazon shares fell 0.86% to $260.77, down $2.27 in early trade, as the stock reversed from an opening high of $273.88. The decline reflects profit-taking after a strong run, with the stock trading below its previous close of $263.04.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Alphabet jumps over 6% as strong momentum lifts shares
Shares of Alphabet surged 6.36% to $369.41, gaining $22.10, as strong investor sentiment and momentum lifted the stock closer to its 52-week high. The rally reflects continued optimism around the company’s growth outlook and AI-driven business strength.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: S&P 500, Nasdaq open higher as earnings optimism overshadows Middle East woes
The S&P 500 rose 25.8 points, or 0.36%, at the open to 7,161.75, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 186.7 points, or 0.76%, to 24,859.941. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 98.9 points, or 0.20%, at the open to 48,762.93. (Read more)
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Google Cloud pulls ahead as Big Tech's AI bet swells to $700 billion
Alphabet's blowout cloud growth has reset expectations across major tech companies, leaving investors to recalibrate which firms are delivering the clearest returns.
All four of the U.S. tech giants that reported results on Wednesday signaled that spending on artificial intelligence would not slow down, with combined outlays now set to surpass $700 billion this year, up from around $600 billion previously.
Alphabet shares jumped more than 6% in premarket trading on Thursday, while Meta stock fell nearly 9%. Amazon shares rose 2.6%, while those of Microsoft dipped 1.8%.
All four of the U.S. tech giants that reported results on Wednesday signaled that spending on artificial intelligence would not slow down, with combined outlays now set to surpass $700 billion this year, up from around $600 billion previously.
Alphabet shares jumped more than 6% in premarket trading on Thursday, while Meta stock fell nearly 9%. Amazon shares rose 2.6%, while those of Microsoft dipped 1.8%.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: U.S. economy grew 2% from January-March, recovering from federal shutdown
The U.S. economy accelerated at the start of 2026, expanding at a modest 2% pace from January through March after recovering from last fall’s 43-day federal government shutdown. But the outlook is clouded by the Iran war. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — rebounded from a lackluster 0.5% expansion the last three months of 2025. The federal government’s spending and investment grew at a 9.3% annual rate in the first quarter, adding more than half a percentage point to growth after lopping off 1.16 percentage points in fourth-quarter 2025.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: LEO Pharma to buy U.S. drug developer Replay for $50 million upfront
Danish drugmaker LEO Pharma said on Thursday it had agreed to buy U.S. drug developer Replay for $50 million upfront, adding an experimental treatment platform for rare genetic skin diseases to its dermatology business.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: WTW quarterly organic growth slows, shares tumble
WTW on Thursday posted slower organic revenue growth from its risk and broking business for the first quarter due to volatility in global markets, overshadowing the insurance brokerage's robust profit and dragging its shares 9% lower in premarket trading.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Alphabet jumps 7.4% on strong AI-driven earnings growth
Shares of Alphabet surged 7.4% after the Google parent posted robust first-quarter results, fueled by its investments in artificial intelligence. The company reported earnings of $62.6 billion, or $5.11 per share, marking an 81% jump from a year earlier, with CEO Sundar Pichai highlighting AI as a key driver across its businesses.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: US futures rise amid of Big Tech earnings
U.S. markets ticked higher before the bell with some of the country's biggest technology companies posting first-quarter earnings this week. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.4% before the opening bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6%. Nasdaq futures gained 0.5%.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Brent tops $110 on Iran tensions, hits near 4-year high
Brent crude surged to its highest level in nearly four years amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions, after a report said U.S. President Donald Trump was set to be briefed on potential military action against Iran. Although prices later eased, they remained elevated above $110 a barrel, as fading hopes of a diplomatic resolution between the U.S. and Iran kept markets on edge.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Eli Lilly, Merck, Caterpillar rise; GDP, PCE data in focus
Shares of Eli Lilly climbed 3.1% after the drugmaker raised its full-year profit forecast on strong weight-loss drug demand, while Merck gained 5.8% on better-than-expected first-quarter sales. Caterpillar also advanced 6% after posting higher quarterly profit. Investor sentiment now turns to key macro cues, with first-quarter GDP and PCE inflation data due Thursday.
US Stock Market Today | Dow Jones | Nasdaq Live: Alphabet, Amazon rise on strong cloud; Meta, Microsoft slide on capex
Tech earnings painted a mixed picture, with Alphabet shares jumping 6.3% in premarket after a record quarter for its cloud unit, while Amazon gained 2.5% on strong cloud sales. However, Meta Platforms and Microsoft fell 8.6% and 1.9%, respectively, as investor concerns grew over their capital spending plans.