New York Stocks Open Higher on AI Tailwinds and Iran's Proposal for Talks; WTI Down 1.5%

[Financial News] U.S. stocks opened broadly higher on September 25 local time, supported by AI-related tailwinds and hopes for easing tensions in the Middle East.
As of 9:55 a.m., the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) had risen 262.51 points, or 0.51%, from the previous session to 51,612.49 on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500 Index) was up 28.63 points, or 0.37%, at 7,732.76. The technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite Index had gained 131.22 points, or 0.49%, to 27,070.59, extending its advance after trading near flat early in the session.
Markets recovered as investors focused on AI-driven optimism. Meta Platforms had previously unveiled its AI agent service "Muse" and "Muse Charm," a voice-based standalone portable device that connects with Muse in real time. The products drew a favorable response, particularly among younger consumers, fueling expectations for further expansion of AI hardware and related ecosystems. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Marvell Technology, and Micron Technology rose 1.23%, 1.10%, and 0.90%, respectively, leading gains among semiconductor and related technology stocks. Akamai Technologies surged 7.67% after reports that it had signed an $11.6 billion contract with Anthropic.
Stabilizing oil prices amid signs of easing risks in the Middle East also supported stocks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had conveyed a "seven-day plan" through a mediating country, requiring the United States to meet specific conditions within seven days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reach a final negotiating agreement.
Following the news, the nearby-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil (WTI) contract for November 2026 delivery was trading at $93.17 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 1.52% from the previous session. However, Brent Crude Oil remained above $100 per barrel, prompting some observers to say that pressure on oil and refined fuel prices had not completely eased.
Among individual stocks, online services company People jumped 9.41% on reports of acquisition talks involving MGM Resorts International. Comcast Corporation, meanwhile, fell 2.33% following KeyBanc's downgrade of its investment rating. European markets also carried over the favorable momentum, with the EURO STOXX 50, German DAX, and CAC 40 rising 0.64%, 0.70%, and 0.13%, respectively.

[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter