AI Stocks Just Hammered the S&P 500 to a Record High — and Europe’s Rally Is Right Behind

AI Stocks Just Hammered the S&P 500 to a Record High — and Europe’s Rally Is Right Behind

AI-driven gains pushed two major U.S. stock indexes to all-time highs this week, while European markets are drawing in global investors who say the upswing has staying power.

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The S&P 500 soared to a record close as options trading surged and the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) — Wall Street’s “fear gauge” — dropped to its lowest level since early 2026 [214934]. The rally was led by artificial intelligence stocks, including companies developing chips, software, and data infrastructure, which staged a powerful comeback after a recent pullback [214930]. Strong quarterly earnings from America’s largest companies have soothed fears about runaway AI spending and stubborn inflation, easing worries that massive infrastructure investments would cut into profits without delivering returns [214980].

At the same time, Goldman Sachs strategists say the AI spending spree will push corporations to issue more shares to fund data centers, chips, and energy projects — but a simultaneous boom in stock buybacks will cushion the impact on prices [215028]. Meanwhile, Europe’s stock markets are surging, with money managers saying the rally is more than a short-term bet, citing stronger fundamentals and renewed confidence [215051].

Sources

AI Stocks Surge to Record Highs, Fueling Market Rally #214930Big Tech Earnings Keep Stock Market’s Record Rally Alive #214980S&P 500 Hits Record High as Options Trading Surges, Volatility Drops to 2026 Low #214934Goldman Sachs: AI spending spree will trigger wave of new stock sales #215028Europe’s Stock Rally: Not Just a Flash in the Pan #215051

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