US indices close first half at record highs led by chip stocks

Key Facts

1The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 116.17 points (0.22%) to 52,298.91.

2The S&P 500 gained 0.75% to 7,498.38, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.45% to 26,194.76.

3Nvidia gained more than 1%, while AMD and Intel each advanced about 7%.

4The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) rose 3% on the day, bringing its H1 2026 gain to more than 81%.

US stocks closed at record highs in the final session of the first half of 2026, led by the semiconductor sector despite lingering geopolitical and interest-rate uncertainties. According to market data, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 116.17 points (0.22%) to 52,298.91, the S&P 500 gained 0.75% to 7,498.38, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.45% to 26,194.76. Chip stocks powered the rally: Nvidia added more than 1%, while AMD and Intel surged about 7% each.

The rally capped a stellar half-year for semiconductors, with the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) posting a gain of over 81% since January, per market data. AMD closed at $539.49 on June 29, Intel at $131.72, and Nvidia at $199.08 on June 30. Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) also ended at $475.35, reflecting sustained demand across AI supply chains and robust industry fundamentals.

As the second half begins, traders are watching upcoming US economic releases, including monthly payrolls and ISM surveys. Recent data showed Q1 GDP accelerating to 2.1%, above forecasts, which could support sentiment. However, the Federal Reserve’s policy path and inflation trends remain key risks, with core PCE still above the 2% target. Investors will monitor central bank signals and corporate earnings for direction.