Middle East Peace Expectations Boost S&P, Nasdaq to Record Highs
Optimism that the worst of the Middle East conflict is over propelled the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices to close at record highs for a second consecutive day. This was driven by Israel's agreement to a temporary ceasefire with Lebanon and U.S. President Trump's hint of a potential U.S.-Iran meeting over the weekend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.24% to 48578.72 points, the S&P 500 gained 0.26% to 7041.28 points, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.36% to 24102.70 points.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 10:59
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 11:31 (31 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 17:13 (5h 41m after Collected)
NEW YORK (CNA) – Driven by optimism that the worst of the Middle East conflict has passed, the S&P 500 index and the technology-heavy Nasdaq index closed slightly higher today, setting new historical highs for two consecutive days.
This follows Israel's agreement to a temporary ceasefire with Lebanon, and U.S. President Trump's hint that the U.S. and Iran might meet again over the weekend.
Reuters reported, however, that trading was volatile. Trump had earlier announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and told reporters that Iran had offered not to possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years. However, earlier in the day, Bloomberg cited officials from Gulf states and Europe as saying that the U.S. would need about six months to reach an agreement with Iran.
Chris Zaccarelli, Chief Investment Officer at Northlight Asset Management in Charlotte, North Carolina, stated: "The market is currently fluctuating between positive and slightly neutral news." He noted that for the past month and a half, "market trading has almost entirely revolved around the Iran war."
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 115.00 points, or 0.24%, to close at 48578.72 points; the S&P 500 index rose 18.33 points, or 0.26%, to close at 7041.28 points; and the Nasdaq index rose 86.69 points, or 0.36%, to close at 24102.70 points. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq touched historical highs during intraday trading.
The Nasdaq index has closed higher for 12 consecutive trading days, marking its longest winning streak since the global financial crisis in July 2009.
Most of the 11 major sectors of the S&P 500 index closed in positive territory. Healthcare stocks saw the largest decline, falling 0.8%, while the best performer was the energy sector, which rose 1.6%, mainly driven by rising oil prices. (Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 1150417
This follows Israel's agreement to a temporary ceasefire with Lebanon, and U.S. President Trump's hint that the U.S. and Iran might meet again over the weekend.
Reuters reported, however, that trading was volatile. Trump had earlier announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and told reporters that Iran had offered not to possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years. However, earlier in the day, Bloomberg cited officials from Gulf states and Europe as saying that the U.S. would need about six months to reach an agreement with Iran.
Chris Zaccarelli, Chief Investment Officer at Northlight Asset Management in Charlotte, North Carolina, stated: "The market is currently fluctuating between positive and slightly neutral news." He noted that for the past month and a half, "market trading has almost entirely revolved around the Iran war."
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 115.00 points, or 0.24%, to close at 48578.72 points; the S&P 500 index rose 18.33 points, or 0.26%, to close at 7041.28 points; and the Nasdaq index rose 86.69 points, or 0.36%, to close at 24102.70 points. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq touched historical highs during intraday trading.
The Nasdaq index has closed higher for 12 consecutive trading days, marking its longest winning streak since the global financial crisis in July 2009.
Most of the 11 major sectors of the S&P 500 index closed in positive territory. Healthcare stocks saw the largest decline, falling 0.8%, while the best performer was the energy sector, which rose 1.6%, mainly driven by rising oil prices. (Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 1150417