US Stocks Close Higher as Market Sentiment Improves
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 22 2026
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Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Market Recovery: The S&P 500 rose by 0.37% and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.42%, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting an all-time high, reflecting optimism about a potential US-Iran peace deal that could boost investor confidence.
- Consumer Sentiment Decline: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index was revised down to a record low of 44.8, below the expected 48.2, indicating growing concerns among consumers about the economic outlook, which may impact future spending.
- Rising Inflation Expectations: The 1-year inflation expectations for May were revised upward to 4.8%, exceeding the expected 4.6%, potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate hikes in upcoming meetings, which could pressure the stock market.
- Tech Stocks Lead Gains: Workday's stock surged over 5% after reporting Q1 adjusted EPS of $2.66, surpassing expectations, highlighting strong performance in the software sector and potentially attracting more investor interest in tech stocks.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
