Headline: U.S. Indices Surge, S&P 500 Hits New High; NASDAQ Follows Suit - 2026-02-04

[Para 1: The Lead] The S&P 500 index has reached a new high, surging 2.5% to close at 4,350.23 points, driven by strong earnings reports and positive economic data. The NASDAQ Composite also saw a 2.3% increase, closing at 13,700.45 points, reflecting robust tech sector performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.0% to 33,450.00 points. Global markets, including Europe and Asia, also experienced upward momentum, with the FTSE 100 in London rising 1.8% and the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo climbing 2.1%. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] Supporting data includes a 3.2% increase in earnings per share for the S&P 500 companies compared to the same period last year. The tech sector, particularly semiconductor and software companies, led the gains. The positive economic data, including a 0.5% increase in retail sales and a 0.3% drop in the unemployment rate, bolstered investor confidence. Geopolitical stability and easing inflation concerns also contributed to the market's upward trend. Investors are now looking forward to the upcoming earnings season and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.