Oil stabilizes as markets assess next moves.
U.S. stocks ended higher on Thursday as investors continued to monitor developments around the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, helping extend the market’s recent rally. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.6%, with the Dow turning positive for the year and both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq marking a seventh straight session of gains.
Markets were lower for much of the morning but turned higher as geopolitical developments pointed toward potential de-escalation, including signals of direct negotiations involving Israel and Lebanon. Sentiment remained supported, though investors stayed cautious about how durable the ceasefire could be.
Oil prices rebounded from the prior session’s sharp drop but pared gains as the day progressed. WTI crude rose above $102 before settling below $100, while Brent crude also recovered modestly. The move reflected a partial stabilization in energy markets following the earlier unwind of supply disruption fears.
Within equities, gains were broad, led by mega-cap tech. Amazon (AMZN) rose more than 5% to lead the Magnificent Seven, while Intel (INTC) climbed after announcing an expanded chip deal with Google (GOOG, GOOGL). Most large-cap tech stocks ended higher, reinforcing the strength of the current rally.
At the same time, investors digested fresh inflation data, with the Fed’s preferred PCE index coming in line with expectations. The data reinforced expectations of a steady policy path ahead, with markets now turning attention to the upcoming CPI report.
📊 Market Wrap
🧠 Analyst Notes
💬 Market Highlights
Cathie Wood Adds to Tesla Amid Weakness
Tesla (TSLA) saw renewed buying from ARK Invest, which added roughly $28 million in shares despite recent declines. The move reinforces ARK’s conviction in Tesla’s long-term autonomous driving thesis, even as near-term sentiment remains cautious ahead of its upcoming earnings.
Pimco Seeks Buyers for Oracle Data Center Debt
Oracle (ORCL) is at the center of a major financing move as Pimco looks to offload portions of a $14 billion data center debt package. The development signals repositioning within large-scale AI infrastructure investments as investors reassess risk and capital exposure.
Refinery Explosion Disrupts Valero Operations
Valero Energy (VLO) is dealing with significant damage at its Port Arthur refinery following an explosion that impacted key diesel units. The disruption could tighten regional fuel supply and affect refining output in the near term.
📅 Earnings Watch
Markets remain focused on developments around the ceasefire and upcoming inflation data, both of which could shape the next phase of the rally.
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