U.S. stocks rose at Thursday’s opening bell as investors cheered resilient labor market data, renewed bullish sentiment in technology shares, and progress on a sweeping tax-and-spending bill championed by President Donald Trump.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 86 points, or 0.19%, to 44,570.60. The Nasdaq Composite led the major indexes, climbing 125.90 points, or 0.62%, to 20,519.00, while the S&P 500 added 25.04 points, or 0.40%, to 6,252.46.

Tech shares paced early gains, reflected in bullish commentary from Wedbush Securities, which predicted a strong second half of 2025 for the sector, driven by accelerating enterprise and government investment in artificial intelligence.

"We believe tech stocks will have a very strong second half of the year with the AI Revolution tailwinds now accelerating across semis, software, and the enterprise and consumer landscape,” wrote Wedbush analysts led by Daniel Ives in a Thursday note. The firm named Nvidia, Microsoft, Palantir, Meta, and Tesla as its top tech picks, with Nvidia and Microsoft seen nearing the $4 trillion market cap milestone this summer.

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy added 147,000 jobs in June, matching the 12-month average, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%, with job growth concentrated in state government and health care. Average hourly earnings rose 0.2%, offering a modest inflationary signal as the Federal Reserve weighs future interest rate policy.

Markets also reacted to overnight developments on Capitol Hill, where House Republicans advanced President Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax-and-spending bill through a critical procedural vote. The legislation—which includes historic tax cuts and increased military and border spending—has divided GOP lawmakers over concerns about the national debt and entitlement cuts.

Trump took to Truth Social early Thursday to pressure lawmakers: “Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove???”

Speaker Mike Johnson secured enough support after marathon negotiations. “It’s been a good day, we’re in a good place right now,” he said after the vote.

Commodities showed mixed early action. Gold futures for August delivery fell $22.60, or 0.67%, to $3,337.10, while crude oil slipped 0.31% to $67.24, according to Yahoo Finance data.

As investors prepare for a holiday-shortened session ahead of the July 4 break, market momentum appears tilted toward continued gains—especially in tech—amid a favorable policy backdrop and steady macroeconomic footing.