Nasdaq 100 Nears First Record Since June on Renewed AI Optimism

The Nasdaq 100 Index advanced as much as 0.7% to 30,699 on September 22, 2026, surpassing its June record close before paring gains, as investors piled back into AI-linked technology and growth stocks. Shopify Inc. was the index's top performer, climbing 7.0% after announcing a partnership with Meta Platforms Inc. for its Muse AI product. The S&P 500 traded little changed, holding 0.5% below its August record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.4%. Energy stocks fell 0.2% as oil extended losses after Iranian officials proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, and Saudi Arabia said it expects to resume operations on its 7-million-barrel-a-day East-West pipeline this week. US private payrolls rose an average of 20,000 per week in the four weeks to September 5.