The major U.S. stock indexes ended **broadly higher** on Thursday, **October 1, 2026**, staging a quiet but constructive first session of Q4 as Treasury yields pulled back from their highest levels in over two decades and **Micron's blockbuster earnings** reignited the AI trade. It was a much-needed day of relief after the bond market's worst quarter this century.
The **S&P 500** gained **0.19%** (+14.91 pts) to **7,666.45.** The **Dow** barely moved, up just **0.04%** (+20.51 pts) to **50,926.56.** The **Nasdaq** edged up **0.04%** (+10.53 pts) to **26,871.60.** The **Russell 2000** outperformed, rising **0.38%** (+10.73 pts) to **2,807.60.**
The **10-year Treasury yield** fell to **5.24%**, retreating from its 2002 high. The **VIX** was little changed at **16.31.** **Gold** added **0.47%** to **$4,206.30.** **Crude Oil** rose **3.16%** to **$93.28/barrel.**
