S&P 500 Closes at Record 7,158 on April 24: Intel's Best Day Since 1987, Nasdaq Hits New High

# S&P 500 Closes at Record 7,158 on April 24: Intel's Best Day Since 1987, Nasdaq Hits New High

> **Quick answer:** The S&P 500 closed at a record 7,158.65 (+0.71%) on Friday, April 24, 2026, with Intel leading the charge on its best trading day since October 1987 — a 22.51% single-session surge following a Q1 earnings blowout. The Nasdaq rose 1.54% to 24,814.46. The Dow Jones dipped 0.27% as oil prices declined and energy stocks lagged. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index recorded its 18th consecutive day of gains — a 32-year record. Nvidia closed above a $5 trillion market cap for the first time in history.

The stock market recap for April 24, 2026, has one headline above all others: Intel just had its best day in 39 years, and it dragged the entire tech sector to record highs in the process. For investors tracking the semiconductor supercycle, Friday's session was a definitive confirmation that the AI chip trade is not slowing down.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.

## Friday April 24 Closing Numbers: What the Tape Said

Here is the confirmed data for every major index and key mover at Friday's close: