US STOCKS HIT RECORD HIGHS ON AI GAINS, OIL DECLINE

The S&P 500 rose 1.8% to top its prior all-time high set a few months ago. The Dow Jones industrial average added 907 points, or 1.7%, extending its record streak from the previous day. The Nasdaq composite jumped 2.6%, reflecting strong gains in technology and AI-related stocks. The market's advance was supported by two key factors: continued strong earnings from major corporations, particularly in the artificial intelligence sector, and a decline in oil prices that eases inflation concerns. Lower energy costs benefit consumers and reduce cost pressures across industries. The broader market momentum reflects investor confidence in corporate profitability despite economic headwinds. Gains were broad-based across major indices, with the Nasdaq's larger jump indicating particular strength in the tech sector that has driven much of the market's recent performance.