Nasdaq Today LIVE: The Nasdaq Composite edged higher on Monday, August 17, as gains in technology and semiconductor stocks helped the tech-heavy index outperform the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500. According to Reuters, the Nasdaq was supported by renewed optimism around artificial intelligence, while investors also reassessed expectations for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path following softer U.S. economic data.
Nasdaq Today: Why is Nasdaq Up?
Technology stocks provided the biggest support to the Nasdaq today. Reuters reported that the S&P 500 technology sector gained around 0.6%, with chipmakers including Western Digital and SanDisk among the notable gainers. Nvidia also advanced about 1% as investors positioned ahead of its upcoming earnings report.
The broader AI trade received another boost after Anthropic provided strong revenue expectations, reinforcing investor optimism about continued demand for AI infrastructure, chips and cloud computing. Reuters said investors are increasingly focusing on which companies can ultimately turn heavy AI investment into stronger profits and cash flow.
Nasdaq Futures
Nasdaq futures remained an important focus for investors as Wall Street assessed the technology rally alongside geopolitical and monetary-policy risks. The session began with technology strength, but gains across the broader market were limited by renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Fed Rate Outlook: What Investors Are Watching
The Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook remains a key driver for Nasdaq stocks. Weaker-than-expected U.S. retail sales and moderate inflation have reduced expectations for an imminent September rate hike.
Reuters reported that market pricing for a September rate move fell to 31% from 55% the previous week. A separate Reuters poll showed that a strong majority of economists expect the Fed to keep its benchmark rate at 3.50%-3.75% through the end of 2026.
Lower expectations for higher interest rates can support growth and technology stocks because their valuations are particularly sensitive to borrowing costs and Treasury yields.
Top Nasdaq Gainers Today
Among the stocks attracting attention were:
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Western Digital — among the chip-related stocks benefiting from renewed AI optimism.
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SanDisk — gained as investors continued to favor semiconductor and memory stocks.
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Nvidia — rose around 1% ahead of its upcoming earnings report.
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Other AI-linked technology stocks — remained supported by expectations of continued AI infrastructure spending.
Nasdaq Losers Today
While technology stocks broadly supported the Nasdaq, the market remained mixed. Higher oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty limited risk appetite, while elevated Treasury yields continued to present a challenge for richly valued growth stocks. Reuters reported that the 30-year Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2007, adding another source of caution for investors.
Why Are Stocks Up Or Down Today?
Monday’s market action reflected a tug-of-war between AI optimism and geopolitical risks. On the positive side, strong expectations for AI-related demand and softer U.S. economic data supported technology stocks and reduced near-term expectations for a Fed rate hike. On the negative side, escalating U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher and kept investors cautious about inflation and the broader economic outlook.
Nasdaq Today LIVE: What To Watch Next
Investors will closely monitor upcoming corporate earnings from Walmart and Home Depot, fresh U.S. economic indicators and further signals from Federal Reserve officials. The market will also remain sensitive to developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz because a sustained rise in oil prices could complicate the Fed’s inflation outlook.
The Nasdaq’s modest rise today was driven primarily by AI and semiconductor strength, with Nvidia, Western Digital and SanDisk among the stocks drawing attention. At the same time, investors remain cautious because of geopolitical tensions, elevated Treasury yields and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment, financial, trading, or stock-market advice. Market conditions can change rapidly, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
