S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets

U.S. stock markets closed at fresh record highs on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting strong gains after reports suggested the United States and Iran had reached a draft agreement to extend their ceasefire for 60 days. Investors also weighed the latest inflation data and economic indicators while continuing to show confidence in artificial intelligence-driven growth.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher by 24.69 points, or 0.05%, to finish at 50,668.97. The S&P 500 gained 43.27 points, or 0.58%, ending at 7,563.63, while the Nasdaq Composite surged 242.74 points, or 0.91%, to close at 26,917.47.

According to reports, the proposed ceasefire extension still requires approval from U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency stated that a final memorandum of understanding has not yet been confirmed. Despite the uncertainty, investors reacted positively to signs of easing geopolitical tensions.

Market participants also analyzed fresh economic data showing U.S. inflation accelerated in April at its fastest pace in three years, largely due to higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict. In addition, first-quarter U.S. GDP growth was revised lower to an annualized rate of 1.6%, raising concerns about slowing economic momentum.

Technology stocks continued to lead the rally. Microsoft jumped 3.5% following reports that the company plans to unveil a new AI coding model next week. Marvell Technology gained 3% after UBS increased its price target, while Snowflake soared 36% after raising its annual revenue outlook and announcing a $6 billion AI infrastructure partnership with Amazon Web Services. Datadog and MongoDB also posted gains as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence remained strong.

Healthcare shares advanced as Eli Lilly rose 4% after CVS Health restored coverage for its weight-loss drug Zepbound and added its newly approved obesity treatment. Retail stocks also outperformed, with Dollar Tree climbing nearly 18% after boosting its profit forecast and Best Buy surging 15.8% on stronger-than-expected sales guidance.

Analysts noted that investors continue to focus on resilient corporate earnings and long-term AI opportunities despite inflation concerns and geopolitical risks. Market breadth remained positive, with advancing stocks significantly outnumbering decliners across both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, reinforcing bullish sentiment across Wall Street heading into the second half of 2026.