Dow Jones hits 50,000 milestone amid tech gains and hopes of lower interest rates

Although tech stocks and cryptocurrencies suffered recent falls, investors largely shrugged off geopolitical tensions

The Dow Jones industrial average crossed 50,000 for the first time, as ballooning tech valuations, robust corporate earnings and hopes of lower interest rates drive it to new highs.

Leading stock markets on Wall Street came under pressure earlier this week as technology stocks fell amid scrutiny of extraordinary levels of investment into artificial intelligence.