May 14, 2026

Broad-based buying across most sectors helped lift the S&P and NASDAQ to fresh record highs, led by gains in Cisco Systems (CSCO) and Nvidia (NVDA). The domestic economic picture, however, was more mixed. U.S. import prices surged 1.9% in April, well above expectations for a 1.0% increase, while Retail Sales rose 0.5% from the prior month, marking a third consecutive monthly gain. In addition, weekly jobless claims climbed to 211K, exceeding expectations of 205K, and signaling a modest increase in layoffs. The DJIA gained 370.26 points (0.75%), closing at 50063.46. The S&P 500 climbed 56.99 points (0.77%) and settled at 7501.24 while the NASDAQ surged by 232.88 points (0.88%), closing at 26635.22.

Breadth was positive with advancing issues beating declining issues by 8:5 on the NYSE and by 7:5 on the NASDAQ. The advancing volume was 59% on the NYSE and 63% on the NASDAQ. VIX fell by 0.52 points (-2.91%) and settled at 17.35. Crude oil finished higher by $0.97 (0.97%), as the June contract closed at $101.90 a barrel. Gold prices fell by 45.20 points (-0.96%) and settled at $4661.50 an ounce. Bitcoin (BTC) closed the session at $81300.00.

AI-driven euphoria continues to outweigh concerns surrounding geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and persistent inflation pressures reflected in recent economic data. However, market momentum continues to pick up speed, with the 14-day RSI for both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ continuing to surge to highs last seen in July 2024. That may signal the market is approaching a near-term top.

Earnings releases to watch on Friday include: N/A.

Friday's Market Moving Economic Calendar include: Empire State Manufacturing and Industrial Production.

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By Rachel Paule