S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Extend All-Time Highs Amid Fed Rate Cut Major US equity indices continued their bullish run, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hitting fresh closing highs. The Federal Reserve's 25 basis-point rate cut and expectations of further easing supported risk-on sentiment, particularly in mega-cap technology stocks and AI-related sectors. Tech Stocks Surge: Nvidia-Intel AI Deal Fuels Optimism Nvidia’s $5 billion investment in Intel to jointly develop data center and AI chips was a key catalyst for this week’s technology rally. Intel shares soared to a 52-week high, and Nvidia rebounded after recent weakness, reinforcing AI as the market’s dominant thematic trade. Paramount/Skydance and Oklo Lead S&P 500 Movers Paramount Skydance outperformed after renewed interest in a Warner Bros. Discovery takeover, while Oklo surged nearly 29% on plans for a Tennessee fuel recycling facility. These developments pushed both stocks to 52-week highs, with Oklo up over 530% year-to-date. H-1B Visa Fee Hike Hits Indian Tech Stocks President Trump’s executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications triggered a drop in US-listed Indian IT stocks. Infosys, Wipro, and Cognizant declined as investors priced in higher costs and tighter immigration. Bitcoin Holds Steady Above $115,000 Amid Mixed Sentiment Bitcoin remained above $115K despite some profit-taking and volatility following its recent all-time high near $124K. The crypto’s technical setup is neutral-to-bullish and upcoming macro developments, including ETF flows and regulatory headlines, continue to shape sentiment. Low Volatility Fuels 'Buy-the-Dip' Mentality The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains low (near 15.5), signaling complacency and supporting further risk-taking in equities. However, technicals warn of overbought conditions—a rapid correction is possible should macro data disappoint. Crude Oil Slides as Geopolitical Uncertainty Grows Crude prices declined over 1%, influenced by concerns about global growth, trade negotiations, and possible shifts in US drilling policy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Energy stocks lagged broader indices as market participants eyed demand and inventory data.