Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Wall Street Ends Higher as AI Stocks Rally, Oil Falls
US stock markets finished higher on Monday.
Technology companies linked to artificial intelligence led many of the gains.
Advanced Micro Devices became worth $1 trillion on the stock market.
Intel and other chip companies also rose.
Oil prices fell to their lowest level in 11 days, and the interest rate on a 10-year US government bond moved lower.
These changes made investors feel more comfortable buying stocks.
Investors were still worried because inflation has led the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.
They also watched possible talks involving the United States, Iran, China and Denmark.
Bitcoin rose too, helping some companies connected to cryptocurrency.
The S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow ended up 1.49%, 2.26% and 0.72%, respectively, according to preliminary closing data.
Advanced Micro Devices reached a $1 trillion market capitalization, while Intel and Arm Holdings also surged.
Oil prices fell to an 11-day low and the 10-year US Treasury yield dropped below 5%, supporting equities.
Investors renewed their focus on expanding AI spending despite recent warnings about AI safety and a prior technology selloff.
Markets also watched possible Middle East, Greenland and China-US diplomatic developments, while traders saw a 50% chance of another Federal Reserve rate hike next month.
- Who
- US investors, technology companies, Federal Reserve officials, and officials from the United States, Iran, China and Denmark.
- What
- Major US stock indexes ended higher as AI-related shares gained, while oil prices and Treasury yields declined.
- When
- Monday, September 21, 2026; the closing figures were preliminary.
- Where
- US financial markets, with related diplomatic developments involving the Middle East, Greenland, China and the United States.
- Why
- Renewed optimism about AI spending, lower oil prices and retreating Treasury yields supported stocks, although inflation and possible further interest-rate increases remained concerns.
Market Optimists
Market Cautious
AI investment
Market Optimists
Investors saw continued AI spending and stronger earnings expectations as reasons for chip and technology shares to rise.
Market Cautious
Recent safety warnings from AI-company leaders had triggered a global technology selloff, and debate over the balance between AI safety and productivity remains unresolved.
Interest rates
Market Optimists
Lower Treasury yields and falling oil prices shifted from market headwinds to near-term support for stocks.
Market Cautious
Recent inflation prompted the Federal Reserve to raise rates, and traders still assigned a 50% chance to another increase next month.
Diplomatic developments
Market Optimists
Possible progress in Middle East talks, US-Denmark negotiations over Greenland and a potential China-US trade discussion improved market sentiment.
Market Cautious
The United States and Iran continued exchanging threats, while the results of the diplomatic discussions and trade-truce negotiations remained uncertain.
Paramount Skydance merger
Market Optimists
One account said Paramount Skydance gained 6.5% after reports of a settlement with California and other states challenging its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Market Cautious
A later Reuters report said the company fell after a source confirmed the settlement report, illustrating conflicting market reactions and reporting.
- S&P 500
- Rose 113.72 points, or 1.49%, to 7,764.22, according to preliminary closing data.
- Nasdaq Composite
- Gained 599.55 points, or 2.26%, to 27,122.09.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average
- Rose 371.24 points, or 0.72%, to 52,053.88.
- Advanced Micro Devices
- Reached a $1 trillion market capitalization for the first time.
- Oil
- Brent crude fell below $100 per barrel during trading and later settled at $100.34; it reached an 11-day low.
- Treasury yield
- The US 10-year Treasury yield fell below 5%.
- Rate-hike expectations
- CME FedWatch indicated traders saw a 50% chance of another Federal Reserve rate increase the following month.
