Today Fundamental Analysis: Nasdaq and S&P 500 surge to new record highs driven by tech companies

U.S. stock futures moved higher early Thursday after technology stocks pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to fresh record highs. Semiconductor stocks such as Nvidia and Micron Technology remained major drivers of market gains amid ongoing optimism around AI-related growth.

During Wednesday’s session, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closed at new record highs of 7,451 and 29,425 respectively, while the Dow Jones slipped slightly. Markets are now watching key economic data including retail sales and weekly jobless claims, alongside more corporate earnings reports.

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.2%, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.4%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 1.3%. Shares of Samsung Electronics jumped more than 5% to a new record high.

In Europe, data released this morning showed that the U.K. economy grew 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026, matching expectations and accelerating from revised growth of 0.2% in the previous quarter. Growth was mainly driven by broad-based strength in the services sector, while production and construction activity also improved.

Gold prices moved slightly higher on Thursday as investors awaited the outcome of the summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both sides are discussing trade relations and tariff reductions.

However, higher U.S. inflation data limited gains in gold. U.S. producer prices rose 6% on a yearly basis in April, the fastest pace in four years, driven largely by higher oil prices linked to Middle East tensions. Monthly PPI inflation also came in much hotter than expected.

The stronger inflation data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer to fight inflation, which weighs on gold. Investors are also watching the upcoming U.S. retail sales report for further clues on the strength of the economy and the Fed’s next policy moves.

AUTHOR

Ghassan Albohtori 

Financial Market Analyst - STARTRADER

Ghassan Albohtori is a financial market analyst with experience in macroeconomics, investing, and currency trading. He conducts in-depth market research covering fundamental and technical analysis of different instruments to find major changes in market trends. Mr. Ghassan's main focus is the effects of economic data on different asset classes and how this affects prices.

Risk Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or investment advice. Trading financial instruments on margin involves substantial risk and may not be appropriate for all investors.