Best EUR-Based S&P 500 ETFs for European Investors in 2026: Performance, Fees & Tax

The final trading session of June saw U.S. stocks surge to fresh highs, capping a strong quarter for equities. Investors cheered robust tech gains and shrugged off mixed economic signals as the second half of 2026 begins. ## Market Overview The **S&P 500** closed at a new record, climbing **1.2%** to end the month and quarter on a strong note. The **Nasdaq Composite** outperformed, jumping **1.8%** as megacap tech names led the charge. The **Dow Jones Industrial Average** lagged but still added **0.6%**, lifted by strength in industrials and healthcare. In the bond market, **U.S. Treasury yields** edged lower, with the 10-year note slipping to **4.05%**. Investors rotated into government debt after mixed inflation data signaled the Federal Reserve may stay patient on rate cuts. Commodities traded mostly sideways. **WTI crude oil** hovered near $81 per barrel, little changed as OPEC+ maintained its production targets. **Gold** held steady at $2,340 an ounce, supported by softer yields and steady demand for havens. The **U.S. Dollar Index (DXY)** slipped to **104.1**, while **EUR/USD** ticked higher to **1.096** as traders adjusted positions ahead of key European inflation figures due later this week. ## Key Movers Tech stocks stole the spotlight. **Nvidia (NVDA)** rallied **3.5%**, extending its remarkable run as investors bet on AI-driven growth. **Apple (AAPL)** gained **2.2%** after unveiling new AI features at its annual developer conference, sparking optimism about iPhone upgrade demand. **Microsoft (MSFT)** and **Alphabet (GOOGL)** also advanced, each up more than **1%**. Semiconductors broadly outperformed, with the **PHLX Semiconductor Index** rising **2.7%**. Chipmakers benefited from upbeat quarterly guidance and renewed enthusiasm for next-generation computing. Healthcare names were also in focus. **UnitedHealth (UNH)** rose **1.4%** after management reaffirmed full-year earnings targets, easing concerns about rising medical costs. Meanwhile, **Boeing (BA)** climbed **2.1%** as the company reported progress in resolving supply chain issues. On the downside, consumer staples lagged as investors rotated out of defensive sectors. **Procter & Gamble (PG)** slipped **0.5%**, while **Coca-Cola (KO)** fell **0.3%**. ## What to Watch Looking ahead, investors will be watching for Friday’s U.S. jobs report, which could offer fresh clues on the labor market and the Federal Reserve’s next move. Market participants are also eyeing upcoming speeches from Fed officials for any signals on the timing of rate cuts. In Europe, June inflation data will be closely watched as investors assess the trajectory for ECB policy. For those focused on tax implications of portfolio moves in the new quarter, our latest deep dives—such as tax-efficient investing strategies for Europeans—offer timely guidance. As the second half of 2026 begins, all eyes remain on central banks, corporate earnings, and the evolving AI landscape to set the tone for global markets.