Wall Street’s winning streak rolls on
Third week of gains
US stocks posted their third straight weekly gain, extending the longest winning streak since May.
Record highs, but a softer finish
The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% and Nasdaq 100 fell 0.3% on Friday, ending just below record levels.
The consumer is cooling
July retail sales fell by the most in more than a year, while consumer sentiment also weakened.
Fed fears ease
Markets now see around a 30% chance of a September rate hike, down sharply from earlier in the week.
Energy takes the spotlight
Brent crude hovered around $89 a barrel, with energy stocks climbing to their highest levels since March.
AI keeps the rally alive
The AI investment boom continues to support corporate earnings, while tech stocks push higher and reignite bubble concerns.
Software’s comeback story?
Software stocks are getting a fresh look as investors rethink the “AI losers” narrative.
Corporate watch
PayPal surged on reports of a potential sale involving Stripe and Advent, while Workday reportedly drew acquisition interest from Silver Lake.
Drones take flight
Drone-related stocks rallied after the US announced a 100% tariff on imported unmanned aircraft systems and components.
What’s next for markets?
With rate-hike fears fading, earnings holding up and volatility near its lows, investors are watching whether this rally can keep climbing.