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U.S. stocks ended mixed on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq notching a record closing high, while the S&P 500 ended flat as investors closely monitored developments between the United States and Iran.
How Did the Benchmarks Perform?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) declined 0.4%, or 185.14 points, to close at 51,863.69 points.
The S&P 500 declined marginally to finish at 7,764.64 points. Consumer staples and Tech stocks were the biggest gainers, while financial stocks were the worst performers.
The Information Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) rose 0.7%, while the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) added 1%. The Financials Select Sector SPDR (XLF) declined 2%. Six of the 11 sectors of the benchmark index ended in positive territory.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.5% to end at 27,244.28 points, a new record closing high.
The fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), was down 4.44% to 14.21. A total of 17.9 billion shares were traded on Tuesday, higher than the last 20-session average of 16.3 billion.
On the Nasdaq, there were 48 new 52-week highs and 110 new lows. On the S&P 500, there were nine new 52-week highs and 16 new lows.
AI Stocks Boost Nasdaq Rally
Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks rallied on Tuesday, helping the Nasdaq finish at a fresh record closing high. Chip stocks have been gaining lately after investors’ confidence got a boost following the solid response to Meta Platforms, Inc.’s ((META - Free Report) ) AI assistant, Muse, which was launched earlier this month.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend. However, crude prices declined for the fifth straight day on Tuesday after President Donald Trump said that officials had a “very good meeting” with a delegation from Iran, which continued for three hours.
Brent crude futures fell 1.09% to settle at $99.25 a barrel on Tuesday, while U.S. crude futures dropped 1.24% to end at $94.59 per barrel.
Oil prices dropped earlier in the day after Iran reportedly said that it is ready to open the Strait of Hormuz in seven days. However, worries over the Middle East continued as Trump, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly, said that he has to take a “big decision” whether to extend talks with Iran or “annihilate” the nation.
Investors are also awaiting the U.S.-China summit in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, hoping a trade truce could be extended and that discussions might include AI regulation.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Stock Market News for Sep 23, 2026
U.S. stocks ended mixed on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq notching a record closing high, while the S&P 500 ended flat as investors closely monitored developments between the United States and Iran.
How Did the Benchmarks Perform?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) declined 0.4%, or 185.14 points, to close at 51,863.69 points.
The S&P 500 declined marginally to finish at 7,764.64 points. Consumer staples and Tech stocks were the biggest gainers, while financial stocks were the worst performers.
The Information Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) rose 0.7%, while the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) added 1%. The Financials Select Sector SPDR (XLF) declined 2%. Six of the 11 sectors of the benchmark index ended in positive territory.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.5% to end at 27,244.28 points, a new record closing high.
The fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), was down 4.44% to 14.21. A total of 17.9 billion shares were traded on Tuesday, higher than the last 20-session average of 16.3 billion.
On the Nasdaq, there were 48 new 52-week highs and 110 new lows. On the S&P 500, there were nine new 52-week highs and 16 new lows.
AI Stocks Boost Nasdaq Rally
Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks rallied on Tuesday, helping the Nasdaq finish at a fresh record closing high. Chip stocks have been gaining lately after investors’ confidence got a boost following the solid response to Meta Platforms, Inc.’s ((META - Free Report) ) AI assistant, Muse, which was launched earlier this month.
The success of Muse has been driving gains for AI-related chip stocks. Other tech stocks also helped the Nasdaq on Tuesday, with shares of Sandisk Corporation ((SNDK - Free Report) ) jumping 6.8%. Sandisk has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
All Eyes on U.S-Iran Talks
Tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend. However, crude prices declined for the fifth straight day on Tuesday after President Donald Trump said that officials had a “very good meeting” with a delegation from Iran, which continued for three hours.
Brent crude futures fell 1.09% to settle at $99.25 a barrel on Tuesday, while U.S. crude futures dropped 1.24% to end at $94.59 per barrel.
Oil prices dropped earlier in the day after Iran reportedly said that it is ready to open the Strait of Hormuz in seven days. However, worries over the Middle East continued as Trump, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly, said that he has to take a “big decision” whether to extend talks with Iran or “annihilate” the nation.
Investors are also awaiting the U.S.-China summit in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, hoping a trade truce could be extended and that discussions might include AI regulation.
No major economic data was released on Tuesday.