Tech Stocks Surge to Lead Markets Higher While Inflation Cools

Tech stocks led markets higher on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as investors returned to risk appetite after encouraging inflation data and strong corporate earnings. By mid-morning, the S&P 500 rose 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 189 points (0.4%), and the Nasdaq climbed 0.6%. The global rebound began overnight in Asia, boosted by ASML, the Dutch chipmaking company, which reported second-quarter revenue growth that beat forecasts. ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said customers are accelerating infrastructure expansions amid the AI boom. In the U.S., wholesale inflation slowed to 5.5% last month from 6% in May, helping ease pressure on the Federal Reserve. Traders assigned a 9% chance of a rate hike, down from 42% earlier. BlackRock shares rose 7.3% after earnings beat expectations, with iShares assets topping $6 trillion. Gains remained capped as Brent crude rose 0.5% to $85.19 per barrel amid U.S.-Iran tensions.