Wall Street opened sharply lower on Friday as inflation fears—linked to the Middle East conflict—pushed Treasury yields higher. That jump in yields threatens to derail a recent AI-fueled rally by tightening financial conditions for stocks. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both dropped about 1% at the open, signaling risk-off sentiment returning quickly. Traders are now focused on whether higher yields persist and how markets interpret incoming inflation signals after the shock from geopolitical tensions.
Asian stocks rose in lockstep with Wall Street’s record highs, fueled by an AI-led rally and signs the US consumer remains resilient. Japan, South Korea and Australia advanced, lifting the MSCI Asia Pacific Index toward a sixth straight weekly gain. In the US, Nvidia’s six-day surge supported the Nasdaq trade, while strong earnings expectations and upbeat retail sales data helped investors look past risks from oil above $100 and rising inflation pressures.
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Robinhood has reportedly filed confidentially for what would be its second venture fund, aiming at growth and early-stage startups. The move signals a deeper push beyond trading as the AI rally boosts investor appetite for new companies. While details remain limited, the filing suggests Robinhood wants to broaden its startup bets and position for a future retail-facing listing.
A sharp US jobs report beat expectations, jolting Wall Street and lifting the S&P 500 toward record territory. The Dow and Nasdaq surged as investors piled into AI-linked leaders, with NVIDIA topping $214 and Apple breaking above $294. Falling Treasury yields toward 4.35% eased pressure on growth stocks despite geopolitical worries and $100 oil.
The S&P 500 finished lower as semiconductor stocks including Intel and Arm Holdings retreated, reversing earlier gains. Uncertainty around U.S.-Iran peace talks weighed on risk appetite, even after a strong AI- and tech-led quarter. Investors also kept an eye on chip supply concerns and geopolitical tensions, while oil prices edged down and Nvidia and Microsoft posted gains.
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