Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 8
S&P 500 Rises Nearly 13% on AI, Earnings as Oil and Rates Fail to Deter Bulls
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 8

S&P 500 Rises Nearly 13% on AI, Earnings as Oil and Rates Fail to Deter Bulls

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 8

Summary

  • The S&P 500 has climbed nearly 13% this year despite war in Iran, higher oil prices and a bond sell-off that threatens to lift borrowing costs.
  • Strong corporate earnings and persistent enthusiasm for artificial intelligence have kept investors buying, with blowout results from companies such as Nvidia reinforcing bets on sustained AI demand.
  • That optimism is becoming more selective as investors scrutinize how heavily hyperscalers are spending on AI infrastructure and whether the costly data-center build-out will generate returns.
  • September now poses a key test for the rally because stocks historically weaken in the month, while rising interest rates and fears of runaway AI spending could unsettle gains.

Insights

Can a handful of tech giants sustain the entire stock market rally before physical energy constraints and rising yields bite?
Will the unprecedented billions poured into AI infrastructure trigger a historic market crash or fuel a new economic era?