Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq today April 1: Stocks moved higher on Wednesday, with gains led by major technology stocks, as investors responded to growing optimism that the US conflict with Iran could be nearing an end.

US Stock Market Closing: Dow Jones Today, S&P 500, Nasdaq End Higher

The S&P 500 climbed 0.72% to close at 6,575.32, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.16% to settle at 21,840.95, as per a report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also moved higher, adding 224.23 points, or 0.48%, to end the session at 46,565.74, as per a CNBC report.

Tech Stocks Lead Rally as Alphabet, Meta, Amazon Gain

Technology heavyweights helped drive the rally, as shares of Alphabet rose 3.4%, while Meta Platforms and Amazon each gained more than 1%, as per a Reuters report.

The PHLX Semiconductor Index also climbed 2.82%, extending gains for a second straight session.

US-Iran War Update: Hopes Rise for Possible De-escalation

Investor sentiment was influenced by comments from US president Donald Trump, who said Iran’s president had asked for a ceasefire. However, he added that the US would only consider the offer if the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear.”

Trump also said the US military presence in Iran could end within “two or three weeks,” adding to expectations that the conflict may not drag on much longer.

Oil Prices Fall as Investors Expect Easing Tensions

Oil markets responded quickly to the shifting tone. West Texas Intermediate futures fell 1.24% to $100.12 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped 2.7% to $101.16 per barrel.

The pullback reflects expectations that tensions could ease in the near term, reducing pressure on global energy supplies.

Sector Watch: S&P 500 Energy Sector Slumps While Airline Stocks Gain

Reflecting the shift, the S&P 500 energy sector dropped 3.9%, while airline stocks gained, with the S&P Composite Passenger Airlines index rising 2.3%, as per the Reuters report.

Top Stock Movers Today: Eli Lilly, Intel, Space Stocks Jump

Among individual stocks, Eli Lilly rose 3.8% after the FDA approved its weight-loss pill Foundayo. Intel jumped 8.8% after announcing a $14.2 billion deal to buy back a stake in its Ireland facility.

Space-related stocks also saw strong moves after SpaceX confidentially filed for an IPO. Shares of Intuitive Machines, Planet Labs, and Rocket Lab all posted gains, while the Destiny Tech100 fund, which holds SpaceX shares, climbed 9.1%.

Nike Stock Slides Sharply After Weak Outlook

Despite the rally, not all stocks moved higher. Nike dropped 15.5% to its lowest level in a decade after forecasting a decline in fourth-quarter sales.

Market Outlook: Optimism Grows But Volatility Risks Remain

Overall, advancing stocks outpaced decliners within the S&P 500 by a 1.5-to-one ratio, though trading volume remained relatively light compared to recent averages, as per the Reuters report.

Market watchers say the recent rally is being driven largely by expectations rather than confirmed developments. Patrick Ryan, chief investment strategist at Madison Investments, noted that “The market is kind of just sniffing out that there’s probably some type of resolution in the next couple of weeks,” as quoted by CNBC.

This optimism follows a strong finish to March, when stocks surged on similar hopes that the war could wind down and the momentum has continued in the start of April.

What to Watch: Trump Address and Next Market Triggers

Despite the positive momentum, uncertainty remains. Ryan cautioned that unless there is a clear announcement signaling the end of the conflict, markets are likely to remain volatile in the short term, as per the CNBC report.

Investors are now looking ahead to Trump’s scheduled address at 9 p.m. ET, where he is expected to provide an update on the situation.

FAQs

Which stocks drove the rally?
Big tech names like Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon helped push markets higher.

What did Donald Trump say about Iran?
He said a ceasefire request was made but depends on conditions like reopening the Strait of Hormuz.