Nasdaq leads Wall Street gains as Microsoft hits record

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: The Wall Street sign is pictured at the New York Stock exchange (NYSE) in New York City, United States

WALL Street's three major stock averages closed higher on Monday with Nasdaq's 1% rally leading the charge as heavyweight Microsoft hit a record high after it hired prominent artificial intelligence executives.

The Nasdaq boasted its highest closing level since July 31 while the S&P 500 registered its highest close since Aug. 1.