Finance

Wall Street kicked off the fourth quarter with minor gains, recovering from early intraday losses as sovereign bond yields retreated from their multiyear peaks. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% to end a consecutive three-day downturn, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished fractionally positive. Markets remained highly volatile as investors assessed upcoming employment data and shifting interest rate expectations.

Technology stocks received a significant boost following blowout quarterly financial results from Micron Technology, which reported a quadrupling of its revenue. Micron shares advanced 3% on the day, revitalizing the broader artificial intelligence and chipmaking trade. The tech sector gains managed to push major indexes into positive territory despite underlying macroeconomic pressures.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures rallied to settle at $92.87 a barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude briefly touched the $100 mark. Energy markets are reacting sharply to geopolitical instability involving the United States and Iran, alongside reports of overseas fuel export halts. Traders are closely monitoring prospective military and diplomatic actions ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.