S&P 500 Tops Record 7,000 as AI Tech Rally Helps U.S. Stocks Recoup Losses
The S&P 500, compiled by S&P Dow Jones Indices, crossed 7,000 for the first time, signaling that U.S. stocks had absorbed the risk-off shock triggered by the U.S.-Iran war. The rally was led by “Magnificent Seven” technology stocks including NVIDIA, with demand for AI computing power and expectations for corporate earnings providing the main support after a reset in valuations.
In the latest trading session, the S&P 500 broke above 7,000 to reach an all-time high, recovering all its losses since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war. The Nasdaq Composite also posted its longest winning streak since 2021. Growing expectations for U.S.-Iran peace talks, lower global oil prices and gains in AI technology stocks including NVIDIA combined to lift risk appetite.
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The history behind this eventS&P 500 Tops 7,400 as AI Rally Fuels Record Options Trading
The S&P 500 is a key benchmark for large-cap U.S. equities and a widely watched gauge of global risk appetite. Its latest advance has been underpinned by strong fundamentals and upbeat earnings from AI-focused technology companies, reinforcing investor confidence that artificial intelligence can sustain profit growth and support elevated valuations across the sector.
On May 8, 2026, the S&P 500 climbed above 7,400 in intraday trading, setting an all-time high. U.S. call-option notional volume simultaneously surpassed $2.6 trillion in a single day, also a record. The surge showed that enthusiasm surrounding AI had spread beyond technology shares into derivatives markets, pushing speculative activity, leverage and broader investor risk appetite to exceptional levels.
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