Stock Market Rallies on Iran Peace Signals as Dow Hits Record High
U.S. stock markets surged on May 22, 2026, with the Dow reaching a new record high on optimism about potential resolution to the Iran conflict and strong corporate earnings.
Market Gains
The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 645.47 points, or 1.31%, closing at 50,009.35, while the S&P 500 rose 1.08% to 7,432.97, and the Nasdaq Composite added 1.54% and ended at 26,270.36.
Oil and Yields Ease
Stocks jumped as oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields slid amid growing optimism that the conflict in the Middle East could soon be resolved. West Texas Intermediate futures shed 5.66% to close at $98.26 per barrel, while Brent crude pulled back 5.63% to settle at $105.02 a barrel.
Earnings and Momentum
SoftBank Group shares extended their scorching rally to a second day, rising over 11% Friday, building on momentum after Nvidia's blockbuster earnings boosted AI-linked stocks, with the company's shares having closed 20% higher Thursday, adding over $35 billion to its market cap.