AI-Driven Rally Extends as Fed Week Ahead Looms
Last week U.S. stocks pushed to fresh highs on strong jobs data and AI-driven demand, with the S&P 500 up about 0.8% and the Nasdaq up around 2.3% as the 10-year yield eased and the VIX fell. Chip stocks led gains on AI spend and data-center growth, while some AI names retreated; oil traded in the mid-to-high $90s to $100s amid geopolitical tensions. In the week ahead, focus shifts to Fed policy after the jobs data, ongoing AI spending, and a busy earnings calendar with previews for firms like AMAT, BABA, TGT, XOM and others, along with notable ex-dividend dates.