S&P 500 Today LIVE: The S&P 500 edged higher in early trading on Wednesday, September 2, as strength in artificial-intelligence stocks helped offset concerns over renewed US-Iran military tensions, higher oil prices and elevated US Treasury yields. According to the latest Reuters market update, the S&P 500 gained 8.22 points, or 0.11%, to 7,639.69 at 9:56 a.m. ET.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.47%, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.06% at the same time. Investors remained focused on the impact of rising energy prices on inflation, the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook and upcoming US employment data.
S&P 500 Today LIVE: Index Movement
The S&P 500 started September under pressure after falling 0.71% in the previous session. The decline came as rising Treasury yields and higher oil prices weighed on risk appetite amid renewed tensions involving the United States and Iran.
On Wednesday, however, the benchmark index recovered slightly as technology and AI-related stocks provided support. Reuters reported that investors were balancing geopolitical risks against continued optimism surrounding the AI trade.
At 9:56 a.m. ET:
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S&P 500: Up 0.11% at 7,639.69
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Dow Jones: Up 0.47% at 53,012.89
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Nasdaq Composite: Down 0.06% at 26,084.86
The market remains sensitive to developments in oil prices, Treasury yields and expectations for Federal Reserve policy.
AI Stocks Provide Support To Wall Street
Artificial intelligence remained one of the key sources of optimism for investors.
Among major technology stocks, Nvidia gained 1.2%, helping support the broader market. However, the so-called Magnificent Seven remained mixed, with Microsoft down 0.5% and Tesla falling 1%.
Reuters quoted Standard Chartered’s Thomas Kikis as saying that the AI theme remains at an early stage and could continue to represent a significant transformation in technology and data management.
The continued strength of AI-related companies has helped cushion broader market concerns over interest rates, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
S&P 500 Top Gainers Today
Several companies moved higher following company-specific developments.
Dell Technologies was among the notable gainers, rising 6.7% after the company raised its annual revenue and profit forecasts.
Brown-Forman also advanced, gaining 4.2% after the Jack Daniel’s maker reported quarterly profit above analysts’ expectations.
Meanwhile, Nvidia rose 1.2% as AI-related stocks continued to attract investor interest.
S&P 500 Top Losers Today
Market weakness was more visible among some major technology and energy-linked stocks. Tesla fell 1%, while Microsoft declined 0.5%. Energy stocks also came under some pressure after Brent crude gave up earlier gains. Valero Energy edged 0.3% lower, while Chevron was little changed. The exact list of top S&P 500 percentage gainers and losers can change throughout the trading session as prices move.
Treasury Yields Remain A Major Concern
US Treasury yields remain one of the biggest issues for stock-market investors.
Reuters reported that the 10-year Treasury yield had climbed close to a three-year high of 4.8182% earlier on Wednesday. A separate Reuters analysis noted that the 10-year yield was around 4.79%, its highest level since January 2025, highlighting concerns that another move toward 5% could create additional pressure on equity valuations.
Higher Treasury yields can make bonds relatively more attractive compared with equities while also increasing borrowing costs for companies and households. They can be particularly important for high-growth stocks because higher discount rates can reduce the present value investors assign to future earnings.
Oil Prices Rise Amid US-Iran Tensions
Oil prices have also become a major market driver.
Renewed military clashes between the United States and Iran have raised concerns about possible disruption to energy supplies, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported that Brent crude briefly moved above $95 a barrel, with Brent last up around 0.6% at $95.18 in its global markets update. The increase has revived concerns that higher energy costs could contribute to persistent inflation.
For equity investors, the concern is that a prolonged rise in oil prices could complicate the Federal Reserve’s efforts to control inflation.
Fed Rate Hike Bets Rise
The Federal Reserve’s next policy decision is another major focus for Wall Street.
According to Reuters, traders were pricing in roughly a two-in-three chance of a 25-basis-point rate increase in September, compared with about 37% a week earlier. The shift followed hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh about the importance of controlling price pressures.
Higher interest rates generally increase financing costs and can put pressure on equity valuations. Investors are therefore watching upcoming economic data for signs of whether inflation remains sufficiently persistent to justify tighter monetary policy.
US Jobs Data In Focus
Economic data will be closely watched in the coming days.
Investors are awaiting the ADP private payrolls report on Wednesday, followed by the US nonfarm payrolls report on Friday. The September 11 consumer inflation report will also be important for determining how markets assess the Federal Reserve’s policy path.
The Fed’s September 16 meeting is therefore likely to remain a major market event for investors.
S&P 500 2026 Performance
Despite the recent volatility, the S&P 500 remains firmly higher for the year.
Reuters reported on September 2 that the benchmark index was still up more than 11% in 2026. That leaves the market with substantial gains despite the recent pullback caused by higher yields, rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty.
However, September has historically been a challenging month for US stocks. Reuters noted that the S&P 500 has recorded an average September loss of about 0.7% since 1926, making it historically the weakest month for the benchmark.
S&P 500 Today LIVE: What Investors Should Watch Next
For the S&P 500, investors are likely to monitor five major factors:
1. US-Iran Developments: Any escalation around the Strait of Hormuz could put additional pressure on oil prices and inflation expectations.
2. Treasury Yields: A sustained move toward 5% could increase pressure on equity valuations.
3. Federal Reserve Policy: Rising expectations for a September rate hike could influence technology and growth stocks.
4. US Jobs Data: The upcoming employment reports could provide fresh clues about the strength of the economy and the Fed’s policy path.
5. AI Stocks: Continued strength in major AI and semiconductor companies could help offset weakness in other parts of the market.
S&P 500 Today LIVE: Key Takeaway
The S&P 500 was modestly higher in early trading on Wednesday as AI-related stocks provided support despite renewed US-Iran tensions, elevated Treasury yields and concerns over oil-driven inflation. The benchmark remained above its 2026 starting level, but investors face a more complicated backdrop as markets reassess Federal Reserve policy and the outlook for interest rates.
With the September Fed meeting, US jobs data and inflation figures approaching, market volatility could remain elevated. Investors should therefore watch Treasury yields, crude prices, economic data and major technology stocks for clues about the S&P 500’s next move.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Stock-market prices can change rapidly during trading hours.
