S&P 500 reaches new high as AI trade roars back, inflation softens
Thursday, the S&P 500 hit a new intraday high near 7,777 as technology stocks led an AI-driven rebound, according to IG’s Chris Beauchamp. Producer prices were slightly softer, with July PPI up 4.7% y/y vs 4.9% expected. Nasdaq rose 0.5%, S&P 500 0.3%, Dow flat. Cisco shares fell over 7% despite AI-related results.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
Softer PPI and prior CPI cooling are used to justify fading September hike bets, which typically benefits long-duration growth and AI infrastructure beneficiaries. However, jobless claims are above estimates and Fed dissent is described as unresolved, keeping volatility risk elevated.
Market read
This is a macro-driven market wrap: softer PPI and mixed labor data are used to explain a renewed AI-led rally, with attention shifting to upcoming PPI and jobless claims.
What to watch
Oil and Middle East risk are flagged as a potential swing factor, which can quickly reintroduce inflation pressure and pressure growth multiples.
Background
The article frames a US market rally around softer wholesale inflation (PPI) and ongoing debate about the Fed’s next rate move.
Market effects
Supports a rotation back into expensive AI-linked growth, while keeping rate-hike odds sensitive to inflation prints.
Primarily US risk assets, with spillover to global tech and rates-sensitive growth exposures.
Inflation and Fed-path expectations drive cross-market duration and tech multiples globally.
Counterpoint
The jobs data is mixed and Fed policy divergence remains, so the rally could fade if labor re-accelerates or inflation surprises higher again.
Key entities
- indexS&P 500
Reported to reach a new intraday high around 7,777 as tech leads on renewed AI optimism.
- companyCisco
Shares down more than 7% despite AI-driven revenue surge and strong outlook, cited as weighing on the tech sector.
- companyCerebras
Beat expectations and pointed to strong AI infrastructure demand, but investors sold the stock in extended trading.
- companyApplied Materials
Supplies chipmaking equipment and is scheduled to report after the close, with the article noting a high bar after a 190% gain over the past year.
- companyTapestry
Scheduled to report, framed as a read on how retailers handle tariff refunds.


