Markets ended Monday with a split performance, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite posted gains while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, reflecting a selective risk-on tone driven largely by technology and semiconductor stocks. The S&P 500 rose 21.99 points, or 0.30%, to close at 7,405.73, supported by a broad rebound in chipmakers following Friday’s selloff. The Nasdaq surged 220.23 points, or 0.86%, finishing at 25,929.66, led by strength in major tech names including Nvidia, Broadcom, Micron, and Marvell. In contrast, the Dow slipped 80.77 points, or 0.16%, to 50,786.01, weighed down by industrial and materials components, underscoring the uneven nature of the rally.

The session's movement was heavily influenced by geopolitical developments, as tensions between Iran and Israel escalated over the weekend with mutual strikes, sparking initial volatility. However, markets stabilized and turned higher after both nations indicated they had halted military operations, easing immediate fears of a broader regional conflict. Oil prices initially spiked but pared gains as the situation de-escalated. Investor sentiment was further supported by comments from former President Trump, which helped lift futures early in the day. Despite strong prior-week jobs data and rising yields that had pressured equities Friday, markets focused instead on the tech-led recovery and improved geopolitical outlook, resulting in a rally concentrated in growth and semiconductor sectors.