Dow Jones reaches historic high as AI chip sell‑off and Middle East tensions shift markets

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.73% to close at a record 51,562 points, driven by gains in UnitedHealth, JPMorgan Chase, Walmart and other industrial stocks. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.09% after Broadcom fell more than 12% on an earnings miss, prompting investors to rotate out of AI‑linked semiconductor shares such as Arm, Micron and other chip makers.

Non‑technology stocks like Costco and Eli Lilly also posted gains, supporting the Dow’s advance. Meanwhile, oil prices fell about 3% on news that a cease‑fire between Lebanon and Israel was extended, raising hopes for de‑escalation in the Middle East. Brent crude slipped to roughly $95 per barrel and U.S. WTI to about $93, adding further lift to industrial equities.

The market backdrop included heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with recent attacks on a Kuwaiti airport and U.S. strikes on Iranian missiles, underscoring the geopolitical risk surrounding the rally.