Markets finished Thursday on a broadly positive note, with technology stocks leading the charge and the Nasdaq Composite rising 1.16% to close at 26,574.14 — the session's standout performer among the major indices. The S&P 500 climbed a solid 0.70% to settle at 7,786.58, extending the index's recent run into record-friendly territory as investor confidence held firm.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged its peers but still managed a modest gain of 0.14%, closing at 53,452.12. The relative underperformance of the blue-chip index reflects the drag from healthcare names like UnitedHealth, which fell 1.61% to $399.06 and served as one of the more notable headwinds on the day.
Small-cap stocks also participated in the rally, with the Russell 2000 adding 0.26% to finish at 3,022.86, suggesting the risk-on sentiment was not confined solely to large-cap tech. Gold continued to command attention, with the precious metal holding at $4,356.64, reflecting persistent demand for store-of-value assets even as equities pushed higher.
Tesla was the clear star of the session, jumping 3.80% to $339.96 and injecting fresh momentum into the broader growth trade. With the Nasdaq reclaiming decisive ground above 26,500, bulls appear firmly in control heading into the back half of the week.