Blue chips power Dow to record 50,000

The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed 50,000 for the first time on Friday, marking a historic milestone in a long US market rally fueled by strong growth, cheap money, and a surge in artificial intelligence investment. 

Since plunging below 6,600 during the 2008 recession, the blue-chip index has climbed steadily, brushing off periodic volatility.

A recent selloff in software and AI stocks prompted investors to turn to banks, manufacturers, and consumer companies. That shift sparked a broad rebound, lifting the Dow more than 1,200 points, or 2.5%. 

The S&P 500 rose 2%, while the Nasdaq gained 2.2%. Chipmakers jumped sharply, and retail and healthcare shares posted solid gains.

Lower interest rates, government stimulus, and resilient spending have supported the economy. 

Still, analysts warn that high valuations, sticky inflation, and AI-driven swings could test the market’s next move as investors weigh risk against opportunity.