The U.S. stock markets gained on Monday. By the close of trading in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 49,407 points, up 1.1 percent from the previous session. Just minutes earlier, the broader S&P 500 had risen to about 6,975 points, up 0.5 percent, while the Nasdaq technology index showed the Nasdaq 100 at roughly 25,740 points, up 0.7 percent.
Technological stocks were the main drivers of the day’s gains. Chip companies, in particular, attracted significant buying interest. In contrast, Disney’s shares fell sharply. Although the entertainment giant exceeded earnings expectations, it warned of lower international attendance at its theme parks and a decline in earnings from its television and film divisions.
In foreign‑exchange markets, the euro weakened in Monday evening trading. One euro fetched $1.1791, while one dollar traded at €0.8481.
Gold prices slumped dramatically. By evening, a fine ounce sold for $4,649, a 5 percent decline, which translates to €126.78 per gram.
Oil also fell sharply. At about 10:00 p.m. German time on Monday, a barrel of North Sea Brent traded at $66.31, down 30.1 cents or 4.3 percent from the previous day’s close.
