U.S. stock exchanges are trading higher this Thursday (9), with the technology sector returning to lead gains on Wall Street. Investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) has outpaced, at least for now, concerns triggered by rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
In the middle of the session, the Nasdaq Composite records the biggest gain among the major indexes, rising 1,20% to 26.180,02 points. The S&P 500 rises 0,83% to 7.544,62 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gains 0,39%, reaching 52.550,59 points.
The positive move is also seen in smaller-cap companies. The Russell 2000 advances 1,34%, to 2.995,86 points, while the VIX, an index that measures the expected volatility of the American market, falls 5,38%, to 15,99 points, indicating a reduction in demand for protection among investors.
Despite the escalation of clashes involving the United States and Iran, the market remains focused on corporate fundamentals and growth in the artificial intelligence sector. The recent attacks between the two countries have increased tension in the Middle East, but, so far, investors show greater interest in opportunities related to the technology segment.
One of the session highlights is expectations for the debut of SK Hynix on Nasdaq. The South Korean chipmaker is expected to set the price for its initial public offering (IPO) in the United States today, after recording demand estimated at about seven times higher than the number of shares being offered.
Interest in the deal reinforces part of the market’s confidence in the semiconductor industry, even after the correction seen in the sector’s shares in recent weeks. Companies related to AI infrastructure remain among investors’ preferred picks, driven by the expansion of investments in data centers and high-performance computing.
In the commodities market, oil loses steam during the session. The WTI for August retreats 2,33%, being traded at US$ 71,81 per barrel, as traders trim part of the risk premium priced in after events in the Middle East.
Gold, on the other hand, continues to rise. The precious metal is up 1,43%, and is trading at US$ 4.140,60, supported by investors’ demand for assets considered more defensive.
Among digital assets, the Bitcoin is tracking the risk appetite seen in traditional markets. The market’s largest cryptocurrency is trading near US$ 62.965,80, up 1,47% in the session, following the advance of technology stocks.
In the economic calendar, initial jobless claims in the United States were virtually unchanged compared with the previous week. The data reinforces the perception of a resilient labor market and continues to be closely watched by investors seeking signals on the next steps of the Federal Reserve regarding interest-rate policy.