After months of grinding, major American stock indices have finally hit all-time highs again. The S&P 500 ended the day at 7,023, setting a new record. The NASDAQ also ended the day at a fresh high of 26,205. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which consists of just 30 large U.S. companies, instead fell by 72 points, ending the day at 48,464.
The rally was once again fueled by growing optimism about possible improvements in geopolitical conditions, as Iran and the United States are weighing truce extensions. Although Israel’s bombing of Lebanon continues and the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in place—both of which Iran says violate the ceasefire—markets expect conditions to improve significantly, with the conflict potentially being short-lived.
The rally was concentrated in just a few sectors, however. AI-related sectors ended the day meaningfully higher, and financials also posted considerable gains. All other sectors, led by industrials, declined.
The bond market, either signaling expectations of persistently higher inflation or reflecting investors shifting away from safe-haven assets, moved in the opposite direction. U.S. 5-year and 10-year Treasury yields each climbed 3 basis points to 3.9% and 4.29%, respectively.
Today’s economic data surprised investors, with much lower-than-expected import prices for March, faster-than-expected expansion in New York manufacturing, and only slightly lower-than-expected homebuilder confidence. Even though oil prices were much higher, a massive drop in natural gas import prices helped offset the increase.
We will look at the weekly jobless claims tomorrow. Adams Wealth Advisors will continue to update you on the latest market developments.