Finance

Tech stocks rebounded solidly from a prior afternoon rout sparked by downward revisions to private AI revenue expectations. Investors quickly regained confidence on Friday as anxiety surrounding artificial intelligence valuations stabilized, helping the tech-heavy Nasdaq notch its fourth consecutive weekly gain despite the cancellation of a high-profile initial public offering in the sector.

Crude oil futures settled slightly higher but stabilized well below recent intra-week peaks following key political commentary regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Front-month Brent crude finished near $104.72 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate sat around $91.85, as dynamic discussions and a pledge against immediate pre-election strikes eased immediate supply disruption premiums.

Bond yields declined significantly late in the week, easing borrowing cost pressures that have otherwise constrained household budgets. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield pulled back from its 24-year peak near 5.37% down to roughly 5.24% following strong demand for government auctions of multi-year sovereign debt.