U.S. stocks closed higher on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average leading the major indexes after gains in technology and other sectors helped lift investor sentiment. The Dow rose 0.93% to 51,828.62, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.51% to 7,743.41 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.48% to 27,068.72.
Microsoft Leads Technology-Driven Gains
Microsoft was among the strongest performers on the Dow, rising about 3.7% after announcing new capabilities for its Copilot platform, including coding functionality and an always-on AI agent. Other technology-linked companies, including Qualcomm and Dell, also recorded gains during the session. Reuters reported that continued investment in artificial intelligence remained an important factor supporting technology stocks.
Within the Dow, Sherwin-Williams gained 2.72% and Amgen rose about 2.11%. On the S&P 500, ON Semiconductor, Microchip Technology and Generac Holdings were among the notable gainers.
Oil Prices and Treasury Yields Remain in Focus
Despite the gains in equities, investors continued to monitor elevated energy prices and rising U.S. Treasury yields. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield had reached a multi-year high earlier in the session before easing, while Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel. Reuters reported that falling oil prices on Friday provided some support to the bond market.
The CBOE Volatility Index also declined, indicating lower implied volatility in S&P 500 options compared with the previous session. According to the Investing.com report, the VIX fell 5.11% to 14.87.
Market Gains Remain Selective
Not all companies participated in the rally. Salesforce, IBM and Nike declined on the Dow, while Gen Digital, Charter Communications and Palo Alto Networks were among the weaker performers on the S&P 500.
The broader market nevertheless recorded more advancing than declining stocks on the New York Stock Exchange. Gold futures also moved higher, while crude oil prices declined during the session.
Outlook for Investors
Friday's gains came after a volatile week in which markets balanced optimism surrounding artificial-intelligence investment against concerns over oil prices, inflation and Treasury yields. Reuters reported that the S&P 500 gained 1.2% for the week, while the Nasdaq rose 2%.
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Source: Investing.com report citing Reuters; market figures cross-checked with Reuters' September 25, 2026 market report.