Nasdaq Today LIVE: The Nasdaq Composite edged higher on Monday, August 17, as gains in technology and semiconductor stocks helped offset pressure from rising oil prices and renewed U.S.-Iran tensions. Investors also reassessed the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook after softer U.S. economic data reduced expectations for a September rate hike.
The Nasdaq remains closely watched as investors track Nvidia stock, Micron stock, SanDisk stock, AI shares, oil prices, inflation data and Fed rate expectations for the next major direction in the U.S. stock market.
Nasdaq Today: Index Edges Higher
The Nasdaq Composite gained around 0.08% in Monday’s broader market trading, according to Reuters, helped by strength in technology stocks. An earlier Reuters market update showed the index almost flat, reflecting the mixed trading session. The tech-heavy index has been supported by semiconductor stocks, although investors remain cautious about high valuations and whether the rapid expansion in artificial-intelligence investment will generate sufficient returns.
Nvidia Stock Today: Shares Rise Ahead Of Earnings
Nvidia stock remained in focus as investors positioned themselves ahead of the chipmaker’s upcoming earnings report.Reuters reported that Nvidia shares gained around 0.2% during Monday’s trading. The company remains one of the biggest beneficiaries of the artificial-intelligence boom and an important driver of sentiment across the semiconductor sector. Investors will be watching Nvidia’s revenue growth, AI demand and forward guidance for signs of whether spending on AI infrastructure remains strong.
Micron Stock Today: Shares Jump
Micron stock was among the notable gainers on Monday. Reuters reported that Micron shares jumped around 4.5%, adding support to the Nasdaq as semiconductor stocks attracted buying interest. The move comes as investors continue to assess demand for memory chips amid heavy spending on AI infrastructure.
SanDisk Stock Today: Shares Gain
SanDisk stock also posted a strong move, with Reuters reporting a gain of about 6.7%.
The rise helped lift the broader semiconductor group and provided additional support to the Nasdaq. Chip stocks have remained a major focus for Wall Street as investors weigh the opportunities created by AI spending against concerns over valuations and the sustainability of the technology rally.
Why Is Nasdaq Rising Today?
Several factors are influencing the Nasdaq today. Technology and semiconductor gains are providing support, while investors are also responding to signs that the U.S. economy may be losing some momentum. Recent data showed U.S. retail sales fell in July for the first time in nine months, adding to expectations that the Federal Reserve may not need to raise interest rates in September.
At the same time, geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Iran are keeping investors cautious.
Fed Rate Hike Bets Ease: What It Means For Nasdaq
The Federal Reserve rate outlook remains a key market driver. Reuters reported that markets were pricing in only about a 31% probability of a September Fed rate hike, down from around 55% a week earlier. Softer retail sales and cooling inflation have contributed to the shift in expectations.
A reduced probability of a rate hike can support growth-oriented technology stocks because lower borrowing-cost expectations can improve the outlook for equity valuations.
However, investors remain alert to the possibility that higher energy prices could put renewed pressure on inflation.
Oil Prices Today: Crude Rises Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions
Oil prices moved higher on Monday as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran showed limited progress.Reuters reported that Brent crude rose around 0.4%, while concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continued to influence energy markets.
Higher crude prices are important for Nasdaq investors because a sustained rise in energy costs could complicate the inflation outlook and potentially influence future Federal Reserve policy.
Treasury Yields Rise Despite Softer Rate Expectations
Another factor investors are watching is the U.S. bond market. Reuters reported that the 10-year Treasury yield rose to around 4.7%, while the 30-year yield reached about 5.29%, its highest level since 2007.
Higher long-term yields can create pressure for technology stocks because future corporate earnings are discounted at higher rates. This could remain an important risk for high-growth Nasdaq companies even as expectations for a near-term Fed rate hike decline.
Nasdaq Top Gainers: Micron, SanDisk In Focus
Among the notable Nasdaq-related moves reported by Reuters on Monday:
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SanDisk: Up around 6.7%
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Micron: Up around 4.5%
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Nvidia: Up around 0.2%
The semiconductor sector was among the key sources of strength for the Nasdaq during the session.
Nasdaq Top Losers: What Investors Should Watch
While chip stocks provided support, the broader market remained mixed. Investors are particularly watching technology companies with elevated valuations and businesses heavily dependent on continued AI investment. The market is also sensitive to changes in Treasury yields, oil prices and geopolitical developments, which can quickly alter risk appetite.
AI Stocks Remain A Major Market Driver
Artificial intelligence remains one of the biggest themes shaping the Nasdaq stock market today.
Reuters reported that AI company Anthropic’s strong revenue forecast provided additional support to technology stocks. The company expects revenue of roughly $190 billion to $200 billion in 2028, according to the report.
The development highlights the scale of investment and growth expectations surrounding AI, while also raising questions about how much spending will ultimately translate into profits for technology companies and their investors.
U.S. Retail Earnings In Focus
Investors are also preparing for a busy week of corporate earnings.
Reuters said upcoming results from major retailers including Home Depot, Target and Walmart will provide further clues about the strength of the U.S. consumer.
Consumer spending remains an important economic indicator because weakness could strengthen expectations for a Fed pause, while stronger-than-expected results could point to continued economic resilience.
Nasdaq Today: What Investors Should Watch Next
For the Nasdaq today and the rest of the trading week, investors will be closely monitoring:
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Nvidia earnings and guidance
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Semiconductor and AI stocks
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Federal Reserve rate expectations
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U.S. inflation and economic data
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Treasury bond yields
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Oil prices and Strait of Hormuz developments
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Home Depot, Target and Walmart earnings
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The strength of U.S. consumer spending
Nasdaq Today: Key Takeaway
The Nasdaq Composite edged higher on August 17, supported by gains in semiconductor stocks including Micron and SanDisk, while Nvidia also moved higher ahead of earnings. At the same time, softer U.S. economic data reduced market expectations for a September Federal Reserve rate hike.
However, rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and continuing U.S.-Iran tensions remain important risks. For Nasdaq investors, Nvidia earnings, AI stocks, semiconductor performance, Fed policy expectations, oil prices and upcoming U.S. economic data are likely to remain the key market drivers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Stock prices and market conditions can change rapidly.
