Stock Market Recap for Friday, April 24, 2026

The major U.S. stock indexes ended mixed today, April 24, 2026, as a massive tech-led rally propelled the Nasdaq higher by more than 1.6% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a slim loss. Investors rotated aggressively back into megacap technology and AI-related names, shrugging off lingering concerns about oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The VIX fell over 3.5% to 18.62, signaling a notable decline in fear as dip-buyers stepped in. Meanwhile, crude oil pulled back slightly from recent highs, easing 0.79% to $95.09 per barrel, though tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain elevated after the collapse of indirect talks earlier this week.

The S&P 500 rose 0.80% (+56.68 points) to close at 7,165.08, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.16% (-79.61 points) to close at 49,230.71, the Nasdaq Composite surged 1.63% (+398.09 points) to close at 24,836.60, the Russell 2000 rose 0.43% to 2,787.00. The VIX fell 3.57% to 18.62. Bitcoin slipped 0.42% to $77,575.29. Gold was nearly flat, edging up 0.06% to $4,726.60. Crude oil fell 0.79% to $95.09 per barrel. In dollar terms, the broader market gained an estimated $120–150 billion in value.