The US stock market surged close to its all-time high on Monday, August 4, 2026, as the S&P 500 climbed 1.5 percent, nearing its record close of 7,620.90 set on June 2. The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite also rose 2.1 percent, closing 4.3 percent below its all-time peak of 27,093.90, also set on June 2. The rally extended into after-hours trading, with S&P 500 futures rising over 0.2 percent.

This market optimism comes amid conflicting reports from Washington and Tehran regarding the status of negotiations aimed at ending the war on Iran.

Meanwhile, Brent crude, the primary international benchmark for oil prices, fell about 5 percent on Monday before rebounding as Asian markets opened on Tuesday. Rising petrol prices continue to strain US households, even as oil giants Chevron and Exxon report soaring profits.

Other notable developments include the death toll from recent earthquakes in Venezuela surpassing 6,000, and two workers who died after being sent into a quake-hit mall in Japan to retrieve cash. Additionally, the Trump administration faces a lawsuit filed by 25 states over new tariffs imposed on trading partners.

Sources