Stock Market Recap for Friday, April 24, 2026

The major U.S. stock indexes ended **mixed** today, **April 24, 2026**, as a massive **tech-led rally** propelled the **Nasdaq** higher by more than **1.6%** while the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** eked out a slim **loss**. Investors rotated aggressively back into **megacap technology** and **AI-related names**, shrugging off lingering concerns about **oil prices** and **geopolitical tensions**. The **VIX** fell over **3.5%** to **18.62**, signaling a notable decline in **fear** as dip-buyers stepped in. Meanwhile, **crude oil** pulled back slightly from recent highs, easing **0.79%** to **$95.09** per barrel, though tensions between the **U.S. and Iran** remain elevated after the collapse of indirect talks earlier this week. The **S&P 500** rose **0.80%** (**+56.68 points**) to close at **7,165.08**, the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** fell **0.16%** (**-79.61 points**) to close at **49,230.71**, the **Nasdaq Composite** surged **1.63%** (**+398.09 points**) to close at **24,836.60**, the **Russell 2000** rose **0.43%** to **2,787.00**. The **VIX** fell **3.57%** to **18.62**. **Bitcoin** slipped **0.42%** to **$77,575.29**. **Gold** was nearly flat, edging up **0.06%** to **$4,726.60**. **Crude oil** fell **0.79%** to **$95.09** per barrel. In dollar terms, the broader market gained an estimated **$120–150 billion** in value.