The Nasdaq closed at a new record high of 21,450.02 on Friday, capping off a week of strong gains across all three major U.S. indexes. The S&P 500 also rose to 6,389.45, nearing its own record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed to 44,175.61.
The week's rally was largely fueled by the technology sector, with Apple emerging as the key driver. The company's stock soared 13% for the week—its best performance since July 2020—after it announced a plan to invest $600 billion over the next four years in the United States. This announcement came shortly after President Donald Trump unveiled a new 100% tariff on imported semiconductors, which included a crucial exemption for companies that manufacture domestically.
Investors viewed Apple's investment plan as a strategic move to benefit from this new policy, leading to a surge in demand for its shares. The tariff, which also applies to other imports from certain countries, was seen by many as less damaging than initially feared due to the domestic manufacturing exemption. This targeted approach encouraged a heavy flow of capital into U.S.-based tech manufacturing firms, boosting the performance of the Nasdaq and the S&P 500's technology sector.
President Trump has credited the tariffs for the market's positive performance, claiming they are having a "huge positive impact on the Stock Market." He warned that any court decision to block the measures could lead to an economic downturn comparable to the Great Depression. The week's market activity highlights a significant divergence in stock performance, favoring companies with a strong U.S. manufacturing presence.
August 2025, Cryptoniteuae