Market Summary - February 24, 2026
Index Performance
| Index | Change (Up/Down) | Percentage Change (%) | Last Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Industrials | 407.33 | 0.83% | 49,211 |
| S&P 500 | 36.42 | 0.53% | 6,874 |
| Nasdaq | 185.42 | 0.82% | 22,812 |
| Russell 2000 | 18.79 | 0.70% | 2,639 |
Market Overview
U.S. stocks are experiencing a rebound after significant declines on Monday, primarily driven by weakness in technology, financials, and consumer discretionary sectors. The early trading session on Tuesday shows semiconductors, software, and consumer discretionary stocks leading the gains, while financials continue to lag. Investor sentiment is influenced by various uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Iran, and corporate uncertainties related to tariffs and the disruptive impact of AI on traditional business models.
Precious metals are seeing a pullback after strong gains, and Bitcoin prices have dropped below $63,000. Bond markets remain strong with lower yields. A busy day of Federal Reserve speakers is expected to address rates, the economy, and the impact of AI, with Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee noting that the U.S. economy has stalled in its progress on inflation.
Stock News
In earnings news, Home Depot reported better-than-expected results, boosting its stock. Attention is also on Anthropic, an AI lab that unveiled new technology integrations for business customers, which could impact various sectors including investment banking and human resources. This comes after previous releases led to a selloff in traditional software companies.
Economic Data
- Consumer Confidence Index: 91.2 (consensus 87.0), up from January's revised 89.0.
- Richmond Fed Composite Manufacturing Index: -10 in February, down from -6 in January.
- Wholesale Inventories: Unchanged at +0.2%.
- FHFA House Price Index: Rose less than expected in December.
- S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index: Rose more than forecast in December.
Sector Movers
Utilities
CEG reported Q4 earnings that exceeded expectations, while AES announced energy generation agreements with Google. PPL was upgraded to Overweight by Barclays.
Pipelines/LNG
Morgan Stanley shifted its view on the U.S. LNG industry to Cautious, citing an impending oversupply. OKE reported Q4 earnings slightly above estimates.
Home Appliances/Furnishing
WHR shares fell after announcing public offerings, while BBBY reported a smaller-than-expected Q4 loss and improved gross profit margins.
Stock Gainers
- AMD: +7% after a $60B AI chip deal with META.
- HD: +3% on better Q4 results.
- INTU: +3% as it partners with Anthropic.
- KEYS: +19% after strong Q1 results.
- LRMR: +34% after FDA breakthrough designation.
Stock Laggards
- FULC: -11% after disappointing trial results.
- HIMS: -6% after a downgrade due to weak guidance.
- KTOS: -5% despite strong defense sector performance.
- PLNT: -8% after missing growth expectations.
- TARA: -18% after mixed trial results for bladder cancer therapy.