Nasdaq Jumps Over 300 Points as Semiconductor Stocks Gain: Investor Sentiment Improves, Fear & Greed Inde

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed an improvement in the overall market sentiment, while the index moved to the “Neutral” zone on Thursday.

U.S. stocks settled higher on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining more than 300 points during the session amid a surge in semiconductor stocks.

The U.S. military launched additional strikes on Iran aimed at weakening Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, crude oil prices fell after US President Donald Trump said Iran had called to reach an agreement.

PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) shares fell more than 3% on Thursday after the company reported second-quarter results Thursday that topped revenue expectations but fell just short on adjusted earnings.

On the economic data front, U.S. initial jobless claims declined by 2,000 to 215,000 in the week to July 4, compared to market estimates of 218,000.