Nasdaq Hits Record High as AI Stocks Surge, Meta’s Muse Sparks Investor Concerns

The Nasdaq closed at a record 27,244, its second straight all‑time high, lifted by a 5 % jump in Micron Technology and a nearly 7 % rise in SanDisk. AI‑related shares outperformed, while consumer‑software stocks fell. Meta Platforms’ new AI assistant, Muse, debuted this month and can send emails and complete transactions on a user’s behalf, drawing praise for its capabilities but also fears that it could compete with retailers, online brokerages and other consumer firms. Amazon blocked Muse from shopping on its platform, and investors noted that the assistant might manage insurance, travel and shopping. Oil prices hovered near $100 a barrel, and the 10‑year Treasury yield stayed around 4.94 %. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned at the UN that he could “annihilate the Islamic Republic” if a Middle East deal stalls, adding geopolitical tension. Traders awaited a US‑China summit on Thursday, speculating that the talks could touch on AI regulation and a potential trade truce. The S&P 500 finished flat at 7,764, the Dow fell 0.4 % to 51,863, and trading volume reached 17.9 billion shares, above the 20‑day average.