The major U.S. stock indexes ended **broadly higher** on Friday, **July 31, 2026**, closing out the month on a positive note as **Amazon's blockbuster earnings** overshadowed a sharp drop in Apple and kept the AI trade narrative alive. The session was defined by investors picking their winners and losers with conviction after the most consequential earnings week of the year.
The **S&P 500** gained **0.70%** (+52.09 pts) to **7,489.72.** The **Dow** added **0.53%** (+276.97 pts) to **52,485.03.** The **Nasdaq** climbed **1.00%** (+251.68 pts) to **25,373.85.** The **Russell 2000** slipped **0.46%** (-13.61 pts) to **2,932.49.**
The **VIX** dropped **6.96%** to **15.90.** **Gold** eased **1.27%** to **$4,107.80.** **Crude Oil** edged up **1.47%** to **$84.82/barrel.**
