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Despite the week’s tech-led pullback, Wall Street ended August on strong footing, supported by robust small-cap and cyclical rotation, retail resilience, and anticipation of Fed support. Investors now await September’s inflation and jobs data for fresh clues on the durability of the bull market and the path for policy into year-end. However, as the last trading week of August concluded, U.S. equity markets paused their rally with a modest pullback, digesting a flurry of economic data, notable policy changes, and shifting sector rotations. While recent records stood firm, investors exercised caution ahead of fresh inflation readings, tariff adjustments, and the coming Fed decision in September.

Index Performance

• S&P 500: Declined 0.1% on the week to 6,460.26, after hitting five record highs earlier in August. The index still closed the month up nearly 2%, notching its fourth consecutive monthly gain.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Dropped 0.2% to 45,544.88. Despite the weekly loss, blue chips remain higher year-to-date, having set new records earlier this month.
• Nasdaq Composite: Fell 1.2% to 21,455.55, pressured by a late-week sell-off in major tech names as traders rotated defensively.
• Russell 2000: Rose 0.2% to 2,366.42, as small-caps outperformed and risk appetite broadened, echoing a nearly 8% monthly rally—its strongest in more than a year.

Macro & Economic Highlights

• Inflation: The Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge, core PCE, ticked up to 2.9% year-over-year. Headline inflation steadied as energy prices cooled, but price pressures persisted in services and discretionary goods.
• GDP & Labor: Second-quarter GDP recorded 3.0% annualized growth, rebounding from earlier weakness. July’s jobs data reflected slowing momentum, with unemployment at 4.2%, while weekly jobless claims hovered near 224,000, highlighting ongoing labor market resiliency but greater slack than earlier in 2025.
• Rates & Yield Curve: The 10-year Treasury yield edged down to 4.23 and the 2-year closed at 3.625%, reflecting softer inflation readings and rate cut optimism ahead of September’s FOMC meeting. The yield curve remains moderately inverted, keeping recession risks on radar.

Corporate News & Notable Earnings

• NVIDIA (NVDA): Approached record highs early in the week on strong earnings optimism but finished off 2.14% over the last 5-days at $174.18 as the China chip ban and sector-wide profit-taking tempered gains. Analysts projected robust EPS and revenue growth driven by AI momentum.
• Tesla (TSLA): Closed down 1.81%% to $333.87 over the last 5-days, as the company’s steady production outlook and software news offset broader EV sector consolidation.
• Meta Platforms (META, $738.70, -2.13% over the last 5-days): Experienced mild profit-taking following August’s tech surge, with regulatory and AI storylines remaining central.
• McDonald’s (MCD): Closed at $313.54, down .17% over the last 5-days. Continued value promotions and collaborations (such as the BTS tie-in) provided a defensive backdrop.
• Oracle (ORCL): Gave up 4.33% to $226.13 over the last 5-days, reflecting sector pressure and valuation challenges after a strong run.
• Intel (INTC): Softened 1.81% on the week to $24.35, as sector sentiment turned cautious despite ongoing government support for domestic chip capacity.
• Palantir Technologies (PLTR): Dropped 1.28% over the last 5-days to $156.71 amid persistent short pressure despite new government contract wins and an expanding federal pipeline.
• Rio Tinto Group (RIO): Rose .05% to $62.72 over the last 5-days amid sideways movement in global metals prices and growing industrial demand uncertainty.

Mergers, Acquisitions & IPOs

Several large deals closed in August, including T-Mobile’s (TMUS, $251.99, +.02% over the last 5-days) $4.3 billion acquisition of U.S. Cellular (telecom) and the $6.7 billion merger of Mallinckrodt and Endo Pharmaceuticals. On the IPO front, standout offerings included:

• Bullish (BLSH): The crypto exchange finished at $64.43 (+74% from IPO pricing).
• HeartFlow (HTFL, $2=31.50, +8.01%), Etoiles Capital (EFTY), Darkiris (DK, $7.87, 54.92%): Recent mid-cap IPOs delivered strong debut gains, demonstrating ongoing risk-on appetite even amid late-August volatility.

Tariff News

A major trade shift arrived as the U.S. ended the $800 “de minimis” tariff exemption for small imported packages, ending a loophole that let over a billion parcels enter duty-free last year. Global logistics players suspended many low-value shipments as the new flat tariff regime ($80–$200 per item) took effect, with full 10–40% country-based rates set for February 2026. This policy is expected to ripple through e-commerce, international retailers, and consumer prices in coming months.

FOMC & Outlook

No FOMC decision was made this week; all eyes now turn to the September policy meeting. Futures markets still expect a possible rate cut as inflation moderates and global uncertainties grow, but sticky core price data and a complex policy backdrop keep investors vigilant.

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Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Closed at $3,516.10/oz.
• Silver: Ended at $40.26/oz. the Globasl X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) rose +5.01% over the last 5-days.
• Oil (WTI): Closed at $64.01/barrel.
• Bitcoin: Traded in the $108,265 range.

Today’s market action reflected a cautious yet constructive tone, as tech earnings and Washington’s influence over the Fed dictated direction. Equity sectors rotated with an eye on policy risk, while investors braced for a critical stretch of corporate and economic data releases. However, at the end of the day, U.S. equities closed in positive territory Tuesday, reversing early jitters after the surprise dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The
S&P 500
gained 0.41% to finish at 6,465.94, powered by advances in technology and healthcare. The
Dow Jones Industrial Average
edged up 0.30%, closing at 45,318.07 after a choppy session. The
Nasdaq Composite
outperformed relatively, rising 0.44% to end at 21,544.27, anchored by a rebound in large-cap tech as traders positioned ahead of Nvidia’s highly anticipated earnings. The
Russell 2000
also rose a healthy 0.83%, as small caps benefited from a lower dollar and mild risk-on sentiment.

Macroeconomic Reports

August’s
Consumer Confidence Index
fell 1.3 points to 97.4, reflecting subdued sentiment amid persistent job market worries and fading income optimism. Both current and future business condition components weakened, and the Expectations Index remained below the 80 threshold that often signals recession risk. Preliminary
Durable Goods Orders
printed better than expected, but housing price data indicated continued softening as home affordability remains a systemic challenge.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Market sentiment was initially rattled by President Trump’s removal of Fed Governor Lisa Cook, which intensified concerns about political interference at the central bank. After intraday volatility, the policy outlook stabilized on expectations for a September rate cut, underpinned by recent dovish messaging from Chair Powell. Treasury yields ended with the 2-year at 3.683% and the 10-year at 4.268%, resulting in the yield curve edging lower.

Tariff and Trade News

Trade anxieties resurfaced as the White House threatened up to 200% tariffs on Chinese magnets unless a broader agreement is finalized, while floating additional levies targeting nations imposing digital taxes and tech regulation. The current U.S.–China trade pause, featuring 30% duties on most imports, remains in effect until November 10 pending further negotiations. The U.S.–EU digital trade agreement provoked fresh rhetoric but has not materially altered the near-term corporate tariff outlook.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA
(NVDA, $181.77, +1.08%) rose on the day as investors prepared for tomorrow’s earnings release, hoping for further evidence of AI-driven hardware strength despite ongoing supply chain and China risk.

Tesla
(TSLA, $351.67, +1.46%) posted modest gains, continuing its recent outperformance within the automaker cohort as analysts praised execution in both core vehicle and energy segments.

Meta Platforms (META, +.11%)
saw a narrow advance, aided by a rebound in AI names and stabilization of regulatory risk sentiment after last week’s pressure.

McDonald’s
(MCD, $312.94, -.16%) continued to benefit from defensive flows and retail excitement over its new BTS Happy Meal campaign, extending recent outperformance. The company is also launching a special edition of ‘Gold Sauce’ on sept. 3 that features a vinegary North Carolina VVQ sauce infused with notes of honey, smoke, & mustard.

Intel
(INTC) closed at $24.35.

Oracle
(ORCL, $234.21, -.51%)was essentially flat as investors consolidated positions following the pullback in tech and cloud stocks over the prior week

Palantir Technologies
stabilized after a sharp decline last week and closed at $160.87, +2.35%, as contract momentum and federal demand countered profit-taking pressures.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) closed at $61.95, -.61%, as shares continue to be driven by broad-based commodity optimism and demonstrated capital discipline in the face of ongoing tariff headwinds.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

AT&T (NYSE:T) has agreed to purchase certain wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS, $50.87, +70.25%) for a total of approximately $23 billion, subject to certain adjustments. AT&T and EchoStar have also agreed to enhance their long-term wholesale network services agreement, enabling EchoStar to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator (MNO) providing wireless service under the Boost Mobile brand. AT&T will be the primary network services partner to EchoStar as it continues to serve wireless customers.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

Curanex Pharmaceuticals (CURX) completed its Nasdaq debut with limited fanfare. Mines Management (MGN) listed on the NYSE American, also trading quietly on modest volume. The IPO calendar remains busy, but aftermarket performance has been mixed.marketbeat

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold:
  Closed at $3,440.30/oz, +.67%.
• Silver:
  Ended at $36.665/oz, -.10%,
• Oil (WTI):
  Closed lower at $63.36/barrel, -2.22%.
• Bitcoin:
  Traded is trading the $111,370 range.

Major Index Performance

Caution prevailed at the start of the week as markets took profits, rates edged up, and tariff changes roiled global supply chains. With the key Nvidia earnings catalyst ahead, traders are recalibrating risk exposure across both growth and value segments. Yes indeed, U.S. equities opened the week with a modest retreat, as last week’s Fed-driven rally gave way to profit-taking and caution ahead of a pivotal earnings slate. The S&P 500 declined 0.4% to 6,441.84, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.8% (over 300 points) to 45,309.32 after reaching a record high the previous session. The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.2% to finish at 21,058.19, under pressure as technology shares consolidated recent gains. The Russell 2000 slipped 0.3%, reflecting a broader risk-off tone amid renewed volatility concerns.

Macroeconomic Reports

The only major data release today was New Home Sales for July. Recent readings showed modest growth, with last month’s sales rising 0.6% (to 627,000 units annualized), but inventory continued to build, rising to the highest since late 2007. The median sales price fell to $401,800 (down 4.9% month-over-month), emphasizing the ongoing affordability crunch in the housing sector even as supply expands.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Treasury yields drifted higher as market participants weighed the likelihood of Fed rate cuts later this year following Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks. The 10-year yield remained elevated near 4.29%, mirroring inflation and policy uncertainty. No new FOMC communications were released, and the curve stayed relatively flat amid muted volume.

Tariff and Trade News

The expiration of the “de minimis” package tariff exemption dominated headlines. New rules take effect today, subjecting small international parcels to substantial duties ($80–$200 per item depending on country of origin and prevailing rates). This change is expected to impact e-commerce platforms and small businesses, with companies scrambling to adjust logistics and pricing. U.S. Customs noted over 1.36 billion shipments utilized the exemption in the prior fiscal year, spotlighting the wide-reaching effects of the policy shift.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA traded near record highs, with anticipation surging ahead of Wednesday’s earnings. Despite headwinds from the China chip ban, analysts project robust quarterly growth, expecting $1.01 EPS on revenues above $46 billion.

Tesla (TSLA, $346.60, +1.94%) remained stable as investors track developments in production, supply chain, and full self-driving software amidst broader EV sector consolidation.

Meta Platforms
saw mild profit-taking as investors rotated out of Big Tech following August’s surge, with regulatory and AI investment themes remaining in focus.

McDonald’s (MCD) closed at $313.44, -.20%, as value offerings and BTS promotional tie-ins continued to supply defensive appeal.

Intel (INTC) closed at $24.55, -1.01%.

Oracle (ORCL, $235.41, -.41%) weakened with the broader tech sector, giving back some recent gains in light of valuation resistance and sector volatility.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR, $157.17, -.99%) extended its recent losing streak as profit-taking and heavy short interest pressure the high-beta analytics stock, despite ongoing contract wins and an expanding federal business pipeline.youtube

Rio Tinto Group (RIO, $62.33, -.57%) stabilized as global commodity prices trended sideways. Investors remain attentive to tariff risks and the outlook for Chinese industrial demand.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

 Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. (CEPF) at $10.00 (closed $10.12, +1.2%).

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Steady at $3,423.90/oz, holding a narrow range as global macro volatility persisted.
• Silver: $36.70/oz.
• Oil (WTI): Hovered near $64.47/barrel, -.51%
• Bitcoin: Traded at $109,970.

Strong equity market performance this week reflected both a pivot in monetary expectations and robust underlying resilience outside of large-cap tech, signaling a potentially broader participation as the late-summer rally continues. With tariffs, inflation, and rate moves still in sharp focus, investors are bracing for an eventful close to the quarter. Yes indeed, equities soared in a powerful rally as the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium stoked expectations for a September rate cut, overshadowing lingering inflation and tariff challenges. The Dow closed at a new all-time high, while sector and stock rotations signaled a shift in investor sentiment and an appetite for recovery across the broader market.

Index Performance

• S&P 500: Jumped 96.74 points to 6,466.91, snapping a five-day losing streak and locking in weekly gains as investors responded to Powell’s dovish signals.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Soared 846.24 points to a record 45,631.74, leading all major indices and benefiting from rotation into cyclical and financial names.
• Nasdaq Composite: Despite a robust showing Friday, the index ended the week down 0.6% amid profit-taking in high-flying tech stocks and investor rotation into value.
• Russell 2000: Outperformed with a 3.3% weekly surge, the year’s strongest advance for the small-cap benchmark, as traders anticipated a friendlier rate environment.

Macroeconomic Reports

• Inflation: Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained at 2.7% YoY in July, but Core CPI crept up to 3.1%. Wholesale inflation (PPI) climbed to a new high of 3.3% thanks to persistent cost pass-through from tariffs, fueling debate about the stickiness of post-pandemic price growth.spglobal+1
• Retail Sales: Continued positive momentum with gains led by discretionary and e-commerce segments, reflecting enduring consumer resilience.
• Labor Market: The Jackson Hole Symposium and recent Fed minutes highlighted softer labor market dynamics, with the Fed warning of rising downside risks to jobs and growth as inflation’s trajectory remains uncertain.

Corporate & Sector Highlights

• NVIDIA (NVDA): Fell 1.36% over the last 5-days as chip and AI names experienced profit-taking after a year of outsized gains. The company remains a focal point for tariff-related supply chain discussions.
• Tesla (TSLA): rose 2.86 on the week.
• Meta Platforms (META): Pulled back 3.8% over the last 5-days, caught in sector-wide shifts as investors weighed heavy AI investment against rotating sentiment.
• McDonald’s (MCD): Gained 1.66% over the last 5-days to $314.07, benefiting from defensive flows and the announcement of a new BTS Happy Meal campaign.
• Intel (INTC): add .98% over the last 5-days even as government investment interest and reshoring prospects lifted the stock against a downbeat tech landscape.
• Oracle (ORCL): Dropped 4.80% over the last 5-days to $236.37 as sustained profit-taking followed a long rally driven by optimism in cloud and AI.
• Palantir Technologies (PLTR): Descended 10.40% over the last 5-days, as analytics and cloud stocks faced risk-off appetite and some profit extraction, despite strong contract wins in government.
• Rio Tinto Group (RIO): Rose 2.37% over the last 5-days to $62.69, supported by commodity optimism and capital discipline amid tariff-driven macro headwinds.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

Notable deals this week included UnitedHealth Group’s (UNH, $306.42, +1.12% over the last 5-days acquisition of Amedisys, Inc.—the home health provider—for $3.2 billion, underscoring the strategic jockeying among S&P 500 healthcare leaders. Other activity centered on financials and international industrial consolidation.

IPOs: BLSH and Beyond

Bullish (BLSH), the crypto exchange, continued its high-profile debut, finishing above $70 and nearly doubling its offer price despite pronounced volatility. Other IPOs such as Etoiles Capital Group (EFTY, $6.98, +9.92% over the last 5-days) and HeartFlow (HTFL) likewise saw strong early performance.

Trade and Tariffs

Tariff discussions dominated policy headlines. The U.S. affirmed reciprocal tariffs on key trade partners and maintained its current posture toward China, aiming for revenue generation over consumer rebates. The international postal exemption ended, halting low-cost package deliveries from countries such as Sweden and Norway. Fed Chair Powell explicitly cited tariffs as a visible influence on inflation at Jackson Hole, reinforcing their central role in upcoming policy moves.

Yield Curve & Fed Policy

Treasury yields retreated by week’s end—2-year near 3.709%, 10-year at 4.264%—as the market digested clear signals from Powell and the FOMC that rate cuts are likely in September barring a new inflation shock. The Fed also announced updated longer-term goals focusing on maximum employment and price stability, enhancing their strategic transparency.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Closed up 2.57% over the last 5-days at $3,417.20/oz with demand steady amid heightened trade tension.
• Silver: Closed up 2.45% over the last 50days at $38.88/oz.
• Oil (WTI): Closed up .55% at $63.77/barrel over the last 5-days.
• Bitcoin: Consolidated just above $117,235 up approximately .54% over the last 5-days.

The session closed with stocks under persistent pressure, as defensive positioning and tariff volatility dominated the pre-Jackson Hole landscape. The market awaits Fed guidance to shape late-summer direction, while sector rotation and global trade policies continue to steer asset flows. Yes indeed, U.S. equity markets endured another volatile session on Thursday as investors awaited Friday’s pivotal Jackson Hole address by Federal Reserve Chair Powell and digested ongoing tariff and valuation concerns. The S&P 500 slipped another 0.4% to close at 6,370.17, notching its fifth consecutive loss as Big Tech weakness continued to weigh on the broader market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.34% to 44,785.50, retreating from week-to-date gains as late-session selling intensified. The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.34% to 21,100.31, with chipmakers and megacap growth stocks again leading declines. The Russell 2000 outperformed relative to its peers, closing at 2,274.10, +.21%.

Macroeconomic Reports

There were no major U.S. economic data releases Thursday, with the calendar dominated by anticipation of Fed policy signals out of the Jackson Hole Symposium. Recent inflation data showed continued divergence, with the CPI holding steady at 2.7% year-on-year in July while the PPI came in significantly hotter. Investors remain focused on Fed guidance for the remainder of 2025 against a backdrop of moderating consumer sentiment and patchy retail sales.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Yields across the U.S. Treasury curve remained elevated, with the 2-year rate at 3.794% and the 10-year at 4.33%. The yield curve maintains a notably flat profile, and rate cut expectations for the remainder of the year have softened amid ongoing inflation and tariff anxieties. The FOMC made no new policy announcements, with all eyes on Powell’s Friday remarks for signals about the path of monetary policy as volatility increases.

Tariff and Trade News

The U.S. and European Union finalized a written trade framework announced in July, with the U.S. imposing a 15% tariff on most EU imports including autos, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber, but excluding wine and spirits. In return, the EU agreed to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and boost access for American agriculture and seafood. Treasury Secretary Bess said tariff revenue under President Trump is expected to surpass $300 billion, with tariff income earmarked for debt reduction instead of consumer rebates. Existing tariff arrangements with China remain unchanged, and market participants are monitoring prospects for further escalation ahead of the November truce deadline.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA, $174.98, -.24%) fell further as sentiment soured on the sector, capping a week of heavy selling following last month’s record run. Analysts noted that, despite short-term volatility, recently raised fair value estimates position the company as a secular winner in the AI arms race.

Tesla (TSLA) finished 1.17% lower at $320.11, tracking weakness in high-growth peers even as analysts reiterated positive outlooks on production and autonomous technology.

Meta Platforms (META) continued its downward trend closing at $739.10, -1.15%, reflecting broad selling pressure in large tech stocks amidst worries over valuation and policy risk.

McDonald’s (MCD) proved resilient rising .04% closing at $313.22, supported by a steady consumer and ongoing buzz around September’s BTS meal partnership.

Intel (INTC) slightly outperformed the tech cohort but still dropped .17% closing at $23.50, retaining recent gains following indications of strategic government investment in domestic chip manufacturing.

Oracle (ORCL) lagged, retreating alongside major tech and cloud peers and closing at $233.16, -.81%, with sentiment dampened by risk-off flows and shifting momentum.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed slighlty up +.11% at $156.18 taking a break from its pullback even as the market rotated away from high-beta AI/analytics equities despite ongoing contract momentum.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) added 1.12% closing at $61.30 as metals prices stabilized, but global trade and tariff headlines kept the outlook cautious.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Closed up .07% $3.383.90/oz with demand steady amid heightened trade tension.
• Silver: Little changed at $38.07/oz.
• Oil (WTI): Closed down .09% at $63.46/barrel as traders weighed the impact of tariffs and shifting global demand.
• Bitcoin: Consolidated just above $112,580 down approximately 3.45% over the last 5-days.

Major Index Performance

Today’s trading underscored the market’s fragile equilibrium heading into the Jackson Hole event. Selling in tech intensified, while defensive plays and selected value names attracted inflows. Central bank guidance and pending tariff announcements are poised to dictate market tone for the rest of August. Yes indeed, the Markets extended their technology-led pullback as investors continued to rotate out of high-valuation names, bracing for central bank commentary at Jackson Hole. The S&P 500 declined 15.59 points, or 0.24%, to 6,395.78, marking its fourth consecutive daily loss. The Nasdaq Composite fell 142.09 points, or 0.67%, to 21,172.86, suffering another sharp decline as profit-taking gripped big tech and AI. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 16.04 points to close at 44,938.31, notching a back-to-back gain and reflecting sector rotation into defensive and value names. The Russell 2000 closed lower 2,269.35, -.32%.

Macroeconomic Reports

No major U.S. economic releases landed today. However, sector flows reflected shifting risk appetite in the run-up to remarks from Fed Chair Powell and other policymakers. Broader consumer and housing data the previous week continued to underpin caution, and new MIT research suggested many technology companies are struggling to translate AI advances into profits, adding to the tech selloff.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Treasury yields held within a narrow range, and the curve remained generally flat but not inverted, mirroring the market’s wait-and-see attitude. The 2-yr. closed at 3.767% and the 10-yr. closed at 4.299%.

Tariff and Trade News

Markets closely monitored President Trump’s threats to escalate tariffs on semiconductor imports as high as 300%, adding new uncertainty for global tech and manufacturing. While no immediate implementation was confirmed, negotiators suggested exemptions for firms pledging new U.S. production, but the details and timing remain ambiguous. Investors remained wary, mindful that retroactive tariffs could be imposed if commitments are unfulfilled.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA edged lower by .14% as the chip and AI sector faced broad-based profit-taking and ongoing anxiety over the last couple of days regarding export curbs and looming semiconductor tariffs.

Tesla (TSLA) lost 1.64%, under pressure from sector rotation out of high-growth names, despite continuing progress in energy storage and autonomy.

Meta Platforms (META) closed at 747.72, off .50%, in line with tech peers. Long-term optimism around AI and data centers persists, but short-term valuation concerns and risk-off flows drove selling.

McDonald’s (MCD) gained 0.69% to close at $310.93, benefiting from defensive rotation; the company also announced plans for a BTS K-pop Happy Meal tie-in for September, adding a fresh catalyst.

Intel (INTC) pulled back 6.99% to $23.54, joining tech slide even amid reports of strategic government investment talks, including potential U.S. Treasury equity participation to bolster domestic chipmaking.

Oracle edged .19% higher extending YTD run fueled by AI hype and robust cloud results.

Palantir Technologies dropped another 1.10% to close at $156.01 as high-growth analytics and cloud stocks bore the brunt of the rotation and macro nervousness, though its contract pipeline remains active.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) rose 0.05% to $60.62, stabilizing as commodity markets adjusted to uncertainty surrounding global trade and tariffs.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Closed up .21% $3.392.60/oz with demand steady amid heightened trade tension.
• Silver: Little changed at $37.90/oz, moving in tandem with gold.
• Oil (WTI): Closed up .33% at $62.92/barrel as traders weighed the impact of tariffs and shifting global demand.
• Bitcoin: Consolidated just above $114,590, continuing to exhibit range-bound volatility.

Major Index Performance

Tuesday’s session showcased the market’s vulnerability to tech sector swings and tariff-driven cost increases. Defensive stocks outperformed as big tech led the retreat, and investors braced for more clarity from central bank leadership later this week. Yes indeed, Wall Street’s record run reversed sharply on Tuesday as heavy selling in technology large caps weighed on the major benchmarks. The S&P 500 dropped 37.78 points, or 0.59%, to close at 6,411.37, led by steep declines in big tech. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished virtually unchanged, up 5.51 points at 44,951.63, having touched an all-time high intraday before fading late. The Nasdaq Composite slumped 314.82 points, or nearly 1.46%, to settle at 21,314.95, marking one of its worst days since April’s tariff shock. The Russell 2000 gave up recent gains down .78% and closing at 2,276.61, consolidating after this month’s rally as traders rotated out of small-caps amid balance sheet caution.

Macroeconomic Reports

Markets were largely driven by sector-focused headlines, as no major macroeconomic reports landed today. Investor attention turned to Fed Chair Powell’s scheduled Friday speech at Jackson Hole, with rate cut expectations under review. Recent retail sales and inflation data underscore growth resilience, though the tech rout exposed market reliance on a handful of outsized performers.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Treasury yields held steady, but the U.S. yield curve continues to steepen as markets anticipate both rate cuts and increased long-term issuance. The 2-yr closed at 3.763% and the 10-yr closed at 4.30%, both down on the day. This steepening reflects uncertainty about future Fed policy moves, upcoming Jackson Hole commentary, and the inflationary impact of new tariff measures. No new FOMC decisions were communicated today.

Tariff and Trade News

President Trump’s 50% tariffs on hundreds of derivative steel and aluminum products took effect Monday, broadening the scope well beyond raw metals to cover goods such as household appliances and industrial inputs. U.S. importers are scrambling to adjust, with logistics companies facing costly, last-minute cargo rerouting. The new rules close loopholes and sharply escalate trade tensions, with American manufacturing and consumer costs expected to rise.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA) led the decline, falling 3.5% as chip and AI stocks faced broad-based profit-taking after outsized YTD gains. Market participants continue to parse the risks of export curbs and higher input costs from tariffs.

Tesla (TSLA) maintained relative stability falling 1.75%, shielded by news of increased production forecasts and stable delivery momentum. The EV leader’s progress in energy storage and autonomy remains in focus.

Meta Platforms (META) dropped in tandem with tech peers down 2.07%, as momentum rotated out of large-cap growth stocks. Meta’s heavy investments in AI and data centers present long-term promise despite near-term volatility.

McDonald’s (MCD) gained .72% to close at $310.93 as investors sought haven in defensive consumer staples, benefiting from sector rotation during periods of tech weakness. they are also adding K-POP boys band BTS to Happy Meals beginning in September.

Intel (INTC) bucked the selloff, rallying to $25.31, +6.97% on plans for strategic government investment. Reports of negotiations for a U.S. Treasury 10% stake drove shares higher, with implications for domestic chip capacity and onshoring.

Oracle (ORCL) trended lower with the tech sector down 5.80%, pausing after weeks of sustained growth fueled by AI and cloud business optimism.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) retreated from recent highs down a solid 9.35%, pulled down by risk-off sentiment in analytics and cloud names. Growing government contract momentum remains a key tailwind.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) added .38% to close at $60.59, pressured by uncertainty over global trade friction and commodity price volatility as new tariffs come into play.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

Yimutian Inc. (YMT)
went public today, debuting on the Nasdaq at $4.10. Shares closed at $2.80 (-8.54%), reflecting challenging market conditions and tepid investor appetite for small-cap technology IPOs.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Closed up .02% $3.359.30/oz with demand steady amid heightened trade tension.
• Silver: Little changed at $37.34/oz, moving in tandem with gold.
• Oil (WTI): Closed up .26% at $62.51/barrel as traders weighed the impact of tariffs and shifting global demand.
• Bitcoin: Consolidated just above $113,670, continuing to exhibit range-bound volatility.

Monday’s market tone was marked by caution and limited conviction as investors look ahead to pivotal central bank commentary and retail earnings. Sector rotation into defenses, renewed tariff headlines, and consumer unease all contributed to a soft start for the week. Yes indeed, stocks opened the week with subdued momentum as investors shifted into a wait-and-see stance ahead of key Federal Reserve events and major retail earnings later in the week. The S&P 500 declined by .01%, closing at 6,449.15 after five of its eleven sectors ended in the red, notably Financials, Technology, and Industrials. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was also dropped .08% to close at 44,911.82, with mixed component action. The Nasdaq Composite added just .3% to close at 21,629.77, as weakness persisted in chip stocks and broader tech. The Russell 2000 also rose .35% to close at 2,294.47.

Macroeconomic Reports

No major economic releases were scheduled for Monday, but market sentiment was weighed by recent data indicating slowing consumer sentiment and persistent inflation expectations. The University of Michigan’s survey showed year-ahead inflation expectations rising to 3.9% (from 3.4%), with a notable drop in consumer confidence. Homebuilder sentiment also weakened in August, pushing sales incentives to a five-year high. Investors looked ahead to the coming week’s housing and retail reports.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

No new FOMC announcements were released today, but anticipation remains for this week’s Jackson Hole Symposium. Treasury yields were realtively steady, with the 10-year yield last quoted at 4.34%, slightly below last week’s peak and the 2-yr closed at 3.771%. The yield curve stayed flat, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the Fed’s policy direction in the face of elevated inflation expectations.

Tariff and Trade News

The Commerce Department enacted expanded steel and aluminum tariffs, adding over 400 derivative products to the tariff list effective August 18. White House trade advisers warned India again regarding Russian oil purchases. U.S. customs clarified duties on gold bullion imports in response to recent tariff adjustments. Consumer inflation expectations edged higher, and consumer sentiment fell, as households braced for further price pressures.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA) treaded water, but still rose to $182.01, +.86%, as sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing government export taxes on leading chipmakers and diminishing demand for new hardware. The sector is facing the headwinds of restricted supply and higher costs for sophisticated AI computing hardware.

Tesla (TSLA) showed resilience and closed 1.39% higher closing at $335.16, maintaining stability as investors awaited updates on autonomous vehicle developments and supply chain management strategies.

Meta Platforms (META) traded 2.27% lower closing at $767.37, consolidating after a string of advances. Analyst focus is turning to Meta’s next phase in AI innovation and global data center expansion, with privacy debates remaining a soft overhang.

McDonald’s  (MCD) closed .07% lower closing at $308.70 as consumer staples outperformed amid risk aversion, gaining modestly in a defensive rotation.

Oracle (ORCL) rose .32% to close at $249.07 after recent profit-taking, with cloud and AI business growth still underpinning long-term optimism.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) fell 1.77% to close at $174.03 and continues to shine overall (up 130.11% YTD) following S&P 500 inclusion and ongoing momentum in AI-driven analytics, bolstered by large contract wins.

Rio Tinto Group traded 1.44% lower to close at $60.36 with the metals sector adjusting to supply chain disruptions and the impact of new tariffs on global commodity trade.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

No major S&P 500 buyouts or acquisitions were announced today. The recent wave of large deals—T-Mobile’s purchase of U.S. Cellular (closed August 1), Mallinckrodt and Endo Pharma’s merger, and Chevron’s completed acquisition of Hess—dominated headlines earlier this month, but no new significant transactions hit the tape on Monday.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

No major IPOs debuted today. The week’s IPO calendar anticipates listings from Curanex Pharmaceuticals (CURX), Hang Feng Technology Innovation Co. (FOFO), and Yimutian (YMT), with trading set to begin later in the week.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

• Gold: Dipped to $3,378, -.14%.
• Silver: Traded closed at $38.065/oz, +.24%.
• Oil (WTI): closed at $63.28/barrel, +.76%.
• Bitcoin: Closed at $116,690.

Top 5 Gainers: Monday, August 18, 2025

Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (PPCB)

Propanc Biopharma surged an exceptional 103.83% to close at $5.85. The micro-cap biotech name traded an outsized 67.8million shares, dwarfing its three-month average. PPCB’s spectacular move builds on a year-to-date rally of over 239,000%, driven by intense speculative interest and recent investor updates on its anti-cancer portfolio. The company remains highly volatile with little public visibility into near-term revenues or future earnings.

Dayforce Inc. (DAY)

Dayforce powered ahead 25.98% to $66.62 as investors responded to better-than-expected quarterly results and bullish forward guidance. Over 10.8million shares changed hands, nearly six times the typical volume. The software and HR solutions provider continues to see robust demand for cloud-based payroll and workforce management services, supporting a $10.6billion market cap. However, shares remain volatile, as reflected by a very elevated P/E ratio near 222.

Cipher Mining Inc. (CIFR)

Cipher Mining climbed 16.12% to $6.05, with volume above 35.7million shares. The bitcoin mining operator has gained significant attention from investors as digital asset prices remain buoyant. CIFR is up over 30% for the year, but profitability challenges persist, and the lack of a forward PE ratio suggests ongoing uncertainty about future earnings stability.

Applied Digital Corporation (APLD)

Applied Digital saw its shares jump 15.97% to $16.34, trading nearly 70million shares. The company, operating digital infrastructure for cloud and high-performance computing, has posted an impressive 242% gain over the past 52 weeks. With a market cap nearing $4.3billion, APLD remains a speculative favorite in the tech infrastructure space despite a lack of trailing PE metrics.

Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL)

Duolingo advanced 12.93% to $369.19, notching solid gains after reporting strong user growth and profitability trends. Volume stood at 3.13million—well above average—with shares now up nearly 58% over the past year. Boasting a market cap of $16.92billion and a trailing PE of 150.7, the language-learning app maintains its reputation as a fast-growing EdTech innovator, but valuations are stretched.