Dow Opens at Record High as Stocks Start August in the Green

U.S. equities opened higher at the start of August, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a record high and rising 1.2% (about 637 points). The S&P 500 gained 0.6% and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.8%, reflecting broad risk-on sentiment. Markets were boosted by reports that President Donald Trump said he would call off an attack on Iran in favor of restarting negotiations, which helped ease geopolitical fears and pushed oil prices lower. Brent crude traded near $83 a barrel and WTI fell below $80. The move also coincided with strength in the broader market after July’s late-session rally, while volatility remained contained, with the VIX around 16.