Akamai Surges on Anthropic Deal, Microsoft AI Boosts US Stocks

US Indices Close Higher, AI Stocks Lead Gains

US major stock indices closed higher on Friday, 25 September 2026, with AI-related technology companies driving much of the market’s advance. The S&P 500 rose by 37.96 points, or 0.49%, to finish at 7,742.09 points, according to preliminary data. The Nasdaq Composite gained 125.51 points, a 0.47% increase, closing at 27,064.88 points.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also advanced, adding 469.07 points, or 0.91%, to reach 51,819.05 points. These gains concluded a week marked by volatility, as investors weighed the potential winners and losers from artificial intelligence developments.

Akamai, Microsoft Boosted by AI Developments

Individual company news significantly influenced Friday's market performance. Akamai Technologies saw a substantial rise following its US$11.6 billion cloud services agreement with AI leader Anthropic. This deal includes a warrant that could grant Anthropic up to 5% ownership in Akamai.

Microsoft also rallied after unveiling new functionalities for its Copilot application, which now features a coding tool and an always-on AI agent. Chip manufacturer Qualcomm and Dell Technologies recorded gains.

Conversely, Meta Platforms dipped on 25 September 2026, despite its stock having soared approximately 13% earlier in the week due to strong market reception for its Muse AI agent.

Rising Yields, Oil Prices Create Market Caution

Despite the market's upward close, investor caution persisted due to high oil prices and rising US Treasury yields. Brent crude eased on 25 September 2026 but remained above US$100 a barrel. The benchmark US 10-year Treasury note hit a 19-year high on 25 September 2026, increasing 3.4 basis points to 5.196%.

Furthermore, the probability of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates by at least 25 basis points in October reached 66%, up from around 50% earlier this week, according to CME Group's FedWatch Tool. The S&P 500 traded just under 19 times expected earnings this week, its lowest valuation since 2023, based on LSEG data.

Asian Markets Watch US Macro Signals

Asian economies and markets will closely monitor these US macroeconomic trends. Rising US Treasury yields and increased Federal Reserve rate hike probabilities typically lead to capital outflows from emerging Asian markets, impacting currency stability and borrowing costs for regional businesses.

The surge in AI-related capital expenditures, which boosted demand for manufactured capital goods beyond August expectations, could also translate into increased orders for Asian semiconductor and electronics manufacturers. Investors in Asia should watch for further data on US inflation and employment, as these will guide the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision in October.