Stocks Rise Amid Tech Sector Growth as Bitcoin Drops Below $63

Global financial markets showed divergent trends on Thursday (18), with American stock exchanges experiencing gains driven by the tech sector and easing tensions in the Middle East.

Beneath this, Bitcoin continued its downward trajectory, dipping below $63 for a second time. The largest cryptocurrency fell 4.03% to trade around $62.815 amid profit-taking and investor caution stemming from rising US interest rates.

The S&P 500 led the charge on Wall Street, closing at 7,497.59 points with a 1.04% gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.27%, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.58%. Smaller-cap indices like the Russell 2000 jumped 1.66%, indicating increased risk appetite among investors.

The markets' improvement came after the US and Iran formalized a preliminary agreement, reducing concerns over international trade and energy supply. The reopening of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz region also alleviated logistical fears, contributing to lower oil prices. The July crude oil contract fell 1.38% to $74.96 per barrel.

The easing tension allowed gold to drop 3.03% to $42.488 per ounce, giving back some gains accumulated during the heightened international tension period. Investors are now evaluating upcoming economic indicators to assess the impact of inflation and interest rates on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.