S&P 500 Edges Higher as Megacap Tech Rallies, Consumer Sentiment Boosts Stocks

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) gained +0.25%, the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) rose +0.62%, and the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) declined -0.38% on Wednesday. The broader market recovered from early losses after a strong performance by the Magnificent Seven tech stocks, including Microsoft (MSFT) up over +3%. Intel (INTC) fell more than -15% following CEO Lip-Bu Tan's warning about manufacturing issues. Consumer sentiment improved, with the University of Michigan US Jan index revised upward to a 5-month high of 56.4, supporting stocks. Bond yields dropped, easing inflation expectations, while WTI crude oil jumped over +2% to a 1-week high, benefiting energy producers like Halliburton (HAL). Precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, hit record highs, boosting mining stocks such as Barrick Mining (B).