US Stock Market LIVE Updates: On Thursday (April 9), US stocks continued to rise for a second day as investor optimism remained high regarding the delicate two-week US-Iran ceasefire, despite increasing oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 259 points, or 0.5%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite saw gains of 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively.
US Stock Market LIVE Updates: The US stock market continued its ascent for the second straight day on Thursday (April 9) as investor confidence grew over the tenuous two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, even with oil prices on the rise. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 259 points, or 0.5%, while both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively.
Energy markets experienced a recovery, with West Texas Intermediate crude climbing 4% to above $98 per barrel after briefly exceeding $100, and Brent crude trading 2% higher at over $96 a barrel.
The markets received a boost when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced direct talks with Lebanon, alleviating concerns over the ceasefire. Additionally, a 2% surge in Meta Platforms shares following the introduction of its new AI model contributed to the gains. Defensive sectors also played a role in the upward movement, with Walmart and utility companies such as Constellation Energy enjoying notable increases.