US Stock Market Today Updates: US stocks continued to move higher on February 25, 2026 as the Dow gained 370 points to close at 49,369 (+0.75%), the Nasdaq gained 214 points to close at 23,044 (+0.94%) and the S&P 500 gained 39 points to close at 6,928 (+0.57%). AI leaders Nvidia, Oracle and Tesla led the charge as traders reacted to Trump’s tariff plan announcement and growing pre-earnings optimism. The market added about $1.2 trillion in value despite Iran tensions and the VIX retreated to 15.2 as market breadth improved, with about 2,200 stocks advancing and 1,200 declining.
U.S. Market Snapshot
|
Index |
Close |
Change |
% Change |
|
Dow Jones |
49,369.65 |
+370.15 |
+0.75% |
|
Nasdaq |
23,044.10 |
+214.80 |
+0.94% |
|
S&P 500 |
6,927.93 |
+38.95 |
+0.57% |
Dow Jones
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked higher by 370 points to close at 49,369.65, driven by IBM’s 3.63% jump, UnitedHealth’s 2.86% increase and Microsoft’s 2.52% gain. Market volume reached 370 million shares, indicating funds flowing into blue-chip stocks as the tech sector remains in focus year to date as the Dow is up 8.2%.
Nasdaq
On the Nasdaq, the Composite Index gained 0.94% to 23,044 with the Nasdaq-100 Index gaining around 1.1%. AI proxies topped the list Netflix surged 5.01%, Applied Materials gained 3.59% as 1.8 billion shares changed hands. The index is up 12.5% year to date with Nvidia’s earnings announcement expected soon.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 Index gained 0.57% to 6,927.93 with around 80% of its constituents ending in the green where the tech sector gained around 1.2%, the healthcare sector gained 0.8% and the VIX retreated to 15.2. Market capitalization rose by around $1.2 trillion with the year to date gain at 9.1%.
NYSE
NYSE’s Composite Index has gained 0.65% with more stocks advancing than declining by a 2,200:1,200 margin. Retail and semiconductor stocks led the way, with total market volume touching 1.1 billion shares. The Russell 2000 Index, comprising small-cap stocks and gained 1.1% to 2,508, joining the big-cap rally.
Trump’s tariffs take effect at lower-than-expected 10% rate
President Trump’s global import tariff of 10% came into effect on Feb 25, less than the 15-25% feared and markets were ready. The impact was muted with the S&P increasing by 0.57%. Trade deficit data showed a 16-year low of $29.4 billion while hoping for reshoring is on the horizon, but no panic selling yet.
US-Iran Tensions Keep Oil Elevated
Tensions with Iran are stable, WTI is at $65.63, Brent at $70.30 (0.2% higher) and no supply shock yet, but natural gas is up 2.2% due to hedging. Geopolitics are keeping risk-on in check without harming stocks.
Oppenheimer Upgrade Oracle
Oppenheimer upgraded Oracle to Outperform with a target price of $185 with a 27% jump. After a 25% decline in the year to date, they see a positive risk-reward profile due to AI’s resilience. Oracle stock gained 3.13% to $150.72 with the software ETF IGV up 1.8%.
Why did gold silver prices surge while stocks fell?
Commodities are diverging: Gold is up 0.57% to $5,205/oz while silver is up 2.96% to $90.10/oz. Safe-haven buying is now in the equation with Iran and tariff headlines. Stocks also rose without faltering while the gold or silver ratio is 85:1 and silver may be due for a catch-up.
Why is bitcoin falling today?
Bitcoin retreated 1.2% to $108,500, as investors turned to stocks and in anticipation of Nvidia’s earnings. ETF outflows reached $200 million and tariff-driven inflation fears are weighing on crypto. Bitcoin trades at approximately ₹59,32,448.
How are AI stocks influencing the Nasdaq and S&P 500?
AI stocks led the pack as Nvidia is up 1.7% to $196, AMD is up 8.77% on news of a partnership, and Oracle is up 3% while the Nasdaq remains tech-heavy at 45% with Anthropic’s integrations alleviating SaaS disruption concerns and pushing the IGV ETF up 2%.
What did President Trump’s State of the Union signal for markets?
Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24 focused on the state of the economy, a proposal for government matched 401(k)s and restrictions on where institutions can purchase homes. The 10% tariff threat was absorbed, and stocks ticked higher by about half a percent as traders were focused on earnings, not words.
Why is the US stock market rising today?
AI drivers on the horizon as Nvidia (pre-earnings) up about 1%, Oracle upgrade about 3% and Anthropic broadening its SaaS partnerships. The labor market was strong, tariffs not as bad as thought as Nvidia’s 175 million share volume day indicates strong conviction while market breadth was strong and VIX was around 15.2.
What should investors watch next in the US stock market?
- Nvidia earnings and outlook – Revenue growth and AI demand guidance will set the tone.
- Upcoming tech earnings – Results from major software and cloud firms.
- Inflation data – CPI and Fed commentary on interest rates.
- Tariff updates – Any shift in trade policy or import duties.
- Oil prices – Impact of US-Iran tensions on inflation.
- AI capital spending trends – Signals from chipmakers and hyperscalers.
- Market breadth – Whether gains expand beyond big tech.
Top Gainers Today
Dow Jones:
- IBM: +3.63% to $237.65
- UnitedHealth (UNH): +2.86% to $281.79
- Microsoft (MSFT): +2.52% to $398.80
- Visa (V): +2.01% to $313.40
- Nvidia (NVDA): +1.70% to $196.12
Nasdaq:
- Netflix (NFLX): +5.01% to $81.95
- Applied Materials (AMAT): +3.59% to $391.49
- Intuit (INTU): +3.01% to $369.49
- Lam Research (LRCX): +2.47% to $250.29
- Microsoft (MSFT): +2.47% to $398.61
S&P 500:
- Netflix (NFLX): +5.01% to $81.95
- IBM: +3.78% to $237.99
- Applied Materials (AMAT): +3.59% to $391.49
- Oracle (ORCL): +3.13% to $150.72
- Intuit (INTU): +3.01% to $369.49
Top Losers Today
Dow Jones:
- Home Depot (HD): -3.36% to $371.57
- Sherwin-Williams (SHW): -2.12% to $357.38
- Boeing (BA): -1.41% to $230.11
- P&G (PG): -1.31% to $163.12
- Chevron (CVX): -1.03% to $183.44
Nasdaq:
- NetEase (NTES): -2.24% to $114.53
- Charter Communications (CHTR): -1.85% to $227.56
- Mondelez (MDLZ): -1.60% to $60.15
- Comcast (CMCSA): -1.27% to $31.21
- AMD: -1.08% to $211.53
S&P 500:
- Lowe’s (LOW): -5.13% to $264.31
- Home Depot (HD): -3.36% to $371.57
- Northrop Grumman (NOC): -2.84% to $707.06
- Estée Lauder (EL): -2.69% to $112.19
- Lockheed Martin (LMT): -2.62% to $647.01
FAQ’s: Stock Market Update
Q1: What drove today’s US stock market rally on Feb 25?
AI momentum and Oracle upgrade propelled Dow +0.75% to 49,369, Nasdaq +0.94% with Mild 10% tariffs eased fears ahead of Nvidia earnings.
Q2: Why did Nasdaq outperform with +0.94% gain?
Tech heavyweights like Netflix (+5%), Applied Materials (+3.59%) led with Anthropic SaaS integrations boosted software sentiment and volume hit 1.8B shares.
Q3: How did Trump’s tariff rollout impact markets?
10% global duty below 15% expectations with no selloff and S&P +0.57% as reshoring optimism trumped trade worries post-SOTU.
Q4: Which AI stocks shone brightest today?
Oracle +3.13% on Oppenheimer upgrade, Nvidia +1.7% pre-earnings, IBM +3.78% and AMD partnership news added fuel to semis rally.
Q5: Why silver/gold up while stocks rose too?
Safe-haven hedging vs Iran tensions, silver +2.96% to $90/oz, gold +0.57% to $5,205 despite equity gains with no inverse move.
Q6: Bitcoin drop amid stock surge & why?
Risk rotation to AI equities, $200M ETF outflows and BTC -1.2% to $108,500 as tariff inflation weighs on crypto sentiment.
Q7: Top losers signal rotation from where?
Home improvement crushed as Lowe’s -5.13%, Home Depot -3.36%. Defense like Northrop -2.84% on stable oil and no geopol spike.
Q8: What to watch next in markets?
Nvidia or Salesforce earnings post-bell, capex guidance critical and Fri CPI, Iran oil risks could pivot momentum quickly.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.
