AI stocks jump amid broadly positive outlook for 2026 markets

U.S. stocks are starting 2026 in a similar fashion to 2025

U.S. stocks are starting 2026 in a similar fashion to 2025.

Artificial intelligence stocks jumped on Friday, while the rest of the market was mixed. The S&P 500 ended the trading session slightly higher, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed fractionally lower and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up around 0.6%, or 319 points.

The AI boom, which fueled much of investors' stock gains in 2025, is likely to remain a major theme for markets in the year ahead, albeit one that is the subject of ongoing skepticism. Analysts are also looking to global growth and the likelihood of falling interest rates as likely to boost U.S. stocks.

“Most financial assets had a decent performance in 2025, with global equities, bonds, credit and [emerging market] assets all having a strong year,” Jim Reid, Deutsche Bank's global head of macro research and thematic strategy, wrote Friday.

“That was driven by continued global growth, ongoing optimism around AI’s potential, and further central bank rate cuts.”