Global equity markets delivered a remarkable synchronised milestone on Friday, as the Nikkei 225, Nasdaq Composite, and S&P 500 each registered fresh all‑time highs, underscoring the strength of the ongoing technology‑led rally and a renewed wave of risk appetite.
Nikkei
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 briefly surged to a record intraday high of 63,385.04, propelled by powerful follow‑through from Thursday’s post‑holiday catch‑up rally. Although the index later eased into modest profit‑taking, it still finished at 62,713.65, comfortably within record territory.
AI here we go!
Semiconductor and AI‑linked names continued to dominate flows, reflecting Japan’s deep integration into the global chip supply chain.
Nasdaq
Across the Pacific, Wall Street delivered a similarly emphatic performance. The Nasdaq Composite pushed to a new intraday peak of 26,248.62 before closing at 26,247.08, its highest level on record.
Strong earnings from major technology firms, combined with renewed optimism around US–Iran de‑escalation efforts, helped extend the index’s multi‑week winning streak.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 also broke new ground, touching an intraday high of 7,401.50 and settling at a record close of 7,398.93.
Each indices continued to hit even higher intraday records after the bell on Friday 8th May 2026.
A stronger‑than‑expected US jobs report reinforced confidence in the resilience of the American economy, even as geopolitical tensions and elevated energy prices continue to shape market sentiment.
Tech cycle
Taken together, the simultaneous records across the U.S. and Japan highlight the dominance of the global technology cycle and the market’s willingness to look through near‑term macro risks.
For now, momentum remains firmly on the side of the bulls. Nothing appears to be able to knock this bull off course.