On 24/4, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices rose 0,8% and 1,6% respectively, reaching 7.165 points and 24.836 points. However, the DJIA index edged down 0,16%, closing at 49.230.

Investors were optimistic following reports that the US and Iran might soon resume peace talks in Pakistan. Iranian state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel to Pakistan. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also told Fox News that President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, arrived in Islamabad on the morning of 25/4.

The S&P 500 index has been consistently rising since early April. Chart: Google Finance

Robert Conzo, CEO of The Wealth Alliance, stated that regardless of the outcome in Islamabad, the market "is largely putting the conflict aside." He explained that the market's optimism stems from Mr. Trump's repeated emphasis that the conflict would soon end. Additionally, the historical tendency of oil supply shocks to be temporary and a positive start to the first quarter earnings season also bolstered investor confidence.

"Essentially, the market believes this is just a short-term factor, so let's put it aside and return to the fundamentals," he said.

Another factor supporting the market at the end of the week was Intel shares. The stock rose nearly 24%, marking its best session since October 1987. The chipmaker had just reported first quarter earnings that surpassed forecasts and provided an optimistic outlook for second quarter results.

Shares of other chip companies also advanced. AMD and Arm both rose 14%. Nvidia shares added 4,3% to reach a new record high.

Overall for the week, the S&P 500 index rose 0,6%, the Nasdaq increased 1,5%, while the DJIA fell 0,4%. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq recorded four consecutive weeks of gains, their longest winning streak since late 2024.

In the crude oil market, news of potential US-Iran talks led to a slight 1,5% drop in US oil prices during the week's final session, to 94 USD per barrel. Meanwhile, Brent crude edged up 0,2% to 105 USD.

Ha Thu (based on Reuters, CNBC)