U.S. stocks finished the week strong, led by technology and AI-related names. The Nasdaq 100 rose 5.5%, while the S&P 500 gained 2.3%, with both indexes closing at record levels. The 10-year Treasury yield was nearly unchanged at 4.36%. Oil was the outlier, with West Texas Intermediate crude falling 7% to $95.42 a barrel, as Iran and President Trump may be getting closer to a deal.
The economic data was good enough to support the rally. The economy added 115,000 jobs in April, above expectations, while the unemployment rate held at 4.3%. Jobless claims moved slightly higher but remain in a downtrend. Services also remained in expansion, though inflation pressure is still an issue. Next week, markets will get a fresh inflation update with the Consumer Price Index.
The biggest market story was earnings tied to artificial intelligence. AMD was the standout, with strong data center growth reinforcing demand for AI chips and servers. Datadog added to the theme, with solid growth in cloud monitoring, security, and AI-related infrastructure tools. The stocks were up 26% and 42% this week. For compliance reasons, I do have to mention that Adams Wealth portfolios hold both stocks, and that past performance does not guarantee future results.
The takeaway from those reports is that investors are still rewarding companies tied directly to AI spending, especially where revenue growth is showing up now rather than just in future expectations.
That same theme showed up closer to home in Utah, where Box Elder County approved the Stratos Project Area north of Salt Lake City, a large-scale energy and data center. The project has drawn protests and concerns around water use and high energy use. The positive side is that it is also expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area, which could support local incomes, housing demand, and potentially home prices over time.
That’s it for this week. We’ll be back Monday with another Daily Market Update with Adams Wealth Advisors.