The Nasdaq Composite rose 1.2% in midday trading, led by strong performances from Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta, as investors embraced risk-on sentiment and momentum-driven strategies. The move reflects renewed confidence in growth-oriented equities.
- Nasdaq Composite rose 1.2% to 18,944.70
- Nvidia (NVDA) gained 3.8%, Apple (AAPL) 2.5%, Microsoft (MSFT) 2.1%, Meta (META) 3.2%
- QQQ ETF advanced 1.3%
- Risk-on sentiment and momentum strategies drove the market
- Tech and communication services sectors led the gains
- Declining Treasury yields supported equity rally
The Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.2% to reach 18,944.70 in early afternoon trading, marking its best performance in over a week. The advance was fueled by a broad-based rally in major technology and communication services names, with momentum playing a central role in investor decision-making. Nvidia (NVDA) jumped 3.8%, extending its recent gains amid continued optimism over AI infrastructure demand. Apple (AAPL) added 2.5%, supported by strong pre-Christmas consumer spending data and new product rollout expectations. Microsoft (MSFT) rose 2.1% as cloud revenue figures from its latest quarter reinforced investor confidence. Meta (META) advanced 3.2%, propelled by higher-than-expected ad revenues and continued progress in AI-driven advertising tools. The QQQ ETF, which tracks the Nasdaq-100, surged 1.3%, reflecting the strength of the index's largest components. This positive momentum comes amid a broader shift in market sentiment, with investors moving away from defensive assets and increasing exposure to high-beta, innovation-driven sectors. The move also coincided with a modest decline in Treasury yields, easing concerns about rising borrowing costs. The rally has implications for traders and portfolio managers focusing on momentum strategies, particularly in the tech and consumer discretionary sectors. As market participants reassess near-term economic data and central bank guidance, the Nasdaq’s upward trajectory suggests sustained demand for growth exposure.