In the early morning of February 26, US stocks closed higher across the board. The Nasdaq led gains with a 1.26% rise, while the Dow and S&P 500 climbed 0.64% and 0.83% respectively. The technology sector was the main driver, with major tech companies generally higher amid optimism over AI and tech growth.

Tech stocks performed strongly. NVIDIA’s quarterly revenue surged 73% year-on-year, beating expectations and pushing its stock price up more than 1%. Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, and other giants also rose, with Broadcom, Tesla, and others among the top gainers. Booming demand for AI computing power has lifted the prosperity of the chip and cloud computing industrial chains.

European stocks also moved higher, with Germany’s DAX, France’s CAC 40, and the UK’s FTSE 100 all closing in positive territory amid stable market sentiment. Asian markets were mixed: Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s KOSPI posted gains, while the Hang Seng Index edged up and the Hang Seng Tech Index corrected, with Chinese concept stocks mixed overall.

Global trading saw a brief disruption: CME’s metals and natural gas futures briefly halted for about 1.5 hours, without triggering major market volatility. The IMF raised its US growth forecast while warning about fiscal imbalances, providing macro guidance for the market.

Looking ahead, the tech sector remains a global focus, with AI industrial progress set to influence market trends. Speeches by Federal Reserve officials and economic data will shape liquidity expectations. Investors are advised to monitor policy shifts and earnings performance, focusing on the tech growth theme.