S&P 500 hits record high close, surges $7.6 trillion since March as tech stocks power market rally

The S&P 500 has officially reached its highest closing level ever, rising strongly since March 30, as reported by The Kobeissi Letter on X. Since that March 30 bottom, the market has added a massive $7.6 trillion in value, showing a huge recovery.

On Friday, the S&P 500 went up 0.8% to close at 7,165.08, setting a new record, reported by CNBC. The Nasdaq Composite also jumped 1.63% to 24,836.60, hitting a fresh all-time high. Both S&P 500 and Nasdaq also touched new record highs during the day (intraday highs). However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average did not follow the trend and fell 79.61 points (0.16%) to 49,230.71.

Peace talks boost market

Markets got a boost after news came that U.S. and Iran may soon start peace talks in Pakistan, as citing MS NOW. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to reach Islamabad to discuss possible negotiations. Because of this positive news, oil prices dropped slightly, showing reduced fear in markets. U.S. oil (WTI) still stayed above $94 per barrel even after falling 1.51%.

Oil prices and global tension

Brent crude (global oil benchmark) stayed above $105 per barrel. Earlier, President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire by 3 weeks. Trump shared that the meeting at the White House “went very well”, statement via Truth Social, reported by CNBC. He also said the U.S. will help Lebanon protect itself from Hezbollah.

The Middle East conflict is now also affecting the sea, especially the Strait of Hormuz, where ships are being seized. Trump even ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” boats placing mines in the strait. Despite all this tension, experts say markets are ignoring short-term conflict risks, said by Robert Conzo, CEO of The Wealth Alliance, via CNBC. He explained that investors are focusing more on long-term economic fundamentals instead of war news. He added that strong U.S. fundamentals are making investors confident, pushing markets higher.

Tech stocks lead rally

One big reason for Friday’s rally was Intel stock jumping 23.6%, its best day since 1987. Intel beat earnings expectations and gave a positive forecast for the next quarter. Semiconductor stocks are also on fire, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF rising for 18 straight sessions. That ETF gained 11% for the week, showing strong momentum in tech stocks.

Overall weekly performance was mixed:

• S&P 500: +0.6%
• Nasdaq: +1.5%
• Dow: -0.4%

Markets are rising strongly, even with global tensions, because investors believe economic growth and earnings matter more right now, analysis based on CNBC and expert commentary. Markets are hitting record highs because investors are focusing on strong earnings and future growth, while mostly ignoring short-term global tensions.

FAQs

Q1. Why did the S&P 500 hit a record high?

The S&P 500 rose due to strong company earnings, tech stock gains, and investor confidence despite global tensions.

Q2. How are global tensions affecting the stock market?

Markets are mostly ignoring short-term conflicts and focusing more on long-term economic growth and profits.