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Financial Times
US stocks chalk up biggest quarterly gain in six years
US stocks ended the quarter with their best performance in six years, notably with S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining 14.9% and 21.4% respectively. This growth was supported by a decline in oil prices, impressive results in semiconductor stocks, and positive economic indicators. However, volatility persisted, largely due to the SpaceX IPO and concerns regarding AI investment returns. Investors showed mixed sentiments towards the market direction, especially amid potential impacts from Fed interest rate adjustments.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 30 Jun 2026, 22:40 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq up 14.9% and 21.4% respectively in the quarter.
- Record-breaking SpaceX IPO raised $75bn and surged to a $3tn valuation.
- Concerns linger about the impact of high-interest rates on future market performance.
- Chip companies represent almost one-fifth of S&P 500’s market capitalisation.
- US labour market shows healthy growth despite economic concerns.
Interesting facts
- The last time the market saw this quarterly performance was shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak.
- AI infrastructure investments are seen as a future source of revenues but carry high uncertainty.