U.S. stock markets closed higher across the board in trading on the morning of July 7 (Korean time), as major indices all rose following the resumption of trading after the Independence Day holiday. Technology stocks led the market as investor sentiment recovered, centered on the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor sectors, and the Dow Jones index renewed its all-time high.

The closing performance of the major indices on this day was as follows.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 53,056.74, up 156.67 points (0.30%) from the previous session
• S&P 500 Index: 7,537.48, up 54.24 points (0.72%)
• Nasdaq Composite Index: 26,121.16, surging 288.49 points (1.12%)
• Russell 2000 Index: 3,010.69, up 14.58 points (0.49%)

Even the Russell 2000 index, which reflects the trend of small- and mid-cap stocks, rose, showing broad-based market strength.

With renewed expectations for expanded AI-related investment, buying focused on semiconductor and large-cap technology stocks. As recently corrected technology stocks rebounded, the Nasdaq recorded the largest gain among major indices, reflecting an overall recovery in risk appetite.

Market analysts predominantly view that the sustainability of AI industry investment and corporate earnings are likely to serve as key variables determining the direction of the stock market in the second half of the year.

[This article was written with the assistance of AI. This article is not intended to solicit investment, and investment decisions and their associated responsibilities lie with the investor.]