Global Weekly Equities Report

Global Equities: The U.S. Market

U.S. Stocks Rally to Fresh Record Highs

U.S. equities ended the week higher, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 4.51% to close at 26,247.08, while the S&P 500 advanced 2.33% to 7,398.93. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.22% to 49,609.16, while the MSCI World Index rose 1.42% to 4,757.30. Markets extended gains for a sixth consecutive week, supported by strong technology performance and improving investor sentiment. Investor appetite remained tilted toward growth-oriented sectors as earnings expectations and macroeconomic conditions stayed broadly supportive.

Strong Labor Data and AI Optimism Support Sentiment

Investor confidence strengthened after the April Nonfarm Payrolls report showed the U.S. economy added 115,000 jobs, well above expectations of 62,000, while unemployment held steady at 4.3%. Markets also reacted positively to continued momentum in AI-related stocks and semiconductor companies. Intel Corporation surged 14% following reports of a preliminary chip-supply agreement with Apple Inc. At the same time, rising Treasury yields briefly pressured sentiment earlier in the week as the 30-year Treasury yield moved above 5% following renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, equities recovered into week-end as investors rotated back into growth sectors.

Technology Shares Lead While Defensive Sectors Lag

Sector performance remained heavily tilted toward growth-oriented industries, with the S&P 500 Information Technology rising 7.00% during the week. The S&P 500 Communication Services gained 1.86%, while the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary added 1.75% as investor appetite for cyclical exposure improved. In contrast, defensive and rate-sensitive sectors underperformed, with the S&P 500 Energy declining 5.37% and the S&P 500 Utilities falling 3.97%.