Markets push to fresh highs as investors balance geopolitical risks with corporate profit growth.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
U.S. equities advanced to new record levels Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite closing above 24,000 for the first time as investors weighed continued geopolitical tensions against strong corporate earnings.
The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to 7,041.28, marking its 11th gain in 12 sessions and extending momentum after surpassing its previous all-time high set earlier this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 115 points, or 0.2%, finishing at 48,578.72, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.4% to close at 24,102.70.
Markets have surged more than 10% since late March lows, driven largely by expectations that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could de-escalate or avoid broader economic disruption. However, uncertainty remains as negotiations continue without a definitive agreement.
Efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire have included diplomatic engagement from regional actors. Pakistan’s military leadership met with Iranian officials as part of ongoing attempts to extend a temporary halt in hostilities that has paused nearly seven weeks of fighting.
Despite the stock market rally, energy markets reflected continued caution. Brent crude oil prices rose 4.7% to $99.39 per barrel, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels near $70 and below recent peaks around $119, underscoring ongoing concerns about supply disruptions tied to the Persian Gulf region.
“The key upside risk for the market is that peace talks between the US and Iran break down,” said ING Bank strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey. “This isn’t an unrealistic scenario, given that US and Iranian demands remain fairly wide apart.”
Corporate earnings provided additional support for equities. PepsiCo rose 2.3% after reporting quarterly results that exceeded expectations, driven in part by increased snack purchases following price adjustments earlier in the year.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services gained 6.3%, while Marsh & McLennan advanced 4.4%, both posting stronger-than-expected financial results.
Technology stocks also contributed to the market’s gains after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reported higher revenue and profit than analysts anticipated for early 2026. Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang said demand is expected to remain strong into the coming months.
Not all companies participated in the rally. Abbott Laboratories fell 6% after lowering its full-year profit outlook despite reporting slightly better quarterly results. The revision was largely tied to its acquisition of Exact Sciences.
Meanwhile, Allbirds dropped 35.8%, reversing part of a sharp 582% surge from the previous trading session following its shift toward artificial intelligence-related services.
Global markets also moved higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 2.4%, South Korea’s Kospi gained 2.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased 1.7%. China reported 5% economic growth for the first quarter, an acceleration from the prior period, though analysts caution that global trade disruptions could weigh on future performance.
In fixed-income markets, Treasury yields edged higher following new labor data showing a decline in initial jobless claims. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 4.31% from 4.29% the previous day.
Investors continue to monitor developments in global conflicts, energy markets, and corporate earnings as key drivers for market direction in the weeks ahead.
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