U.S. Stocks Surge: Largest Monthly Gains in Years Despite Oil Shock

U.S. stocks made significant gains on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq notching their biggest monthly increases in years. This upturn comes despite the oil supply shocks related to geopolitical conflicts and record high crude prices. Robust corporate earnings contributed to offsetting these economic hurdles.

The Dow recorded its best month since November 2024, backed by strong performances in industrial stocks, notably Caterpillar. Key players in the tech sector showed mixed results, with giants like Alphabet and Amazon gaining, while Meta and Microsoft faced investor concerns over AI-related spending.

Economic growth remains strong as U.S. GDP expanded by 2.0% in early 2026, and unemployment claims dipped to record lows. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, including potential conflicts with Iran, and sustained high energy prices, the Fed maintained its interest rate amidst divided council opinions.

(With inputs from agencies.)