Market Review: February 24, 2026

Closing Recap

Index	Up/Down	% Change	Last
DJ Industrials	370.75	0.76%	49,174
S&P 500	52.36	0.77%	6,890
Nasdaq	236.41	1.04%	22,863
Russell 2000	31.32	1.19%	2,652

Market Overview

U.S. stocks opened positively and experienced a significant rebound from the previous day's concerns regarding AI's impact on technology and financial sectors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered about half of its losses from Monday, while the S&P 500 approached the 6,900 mark, and the Nasdaq showed the strongest performance.

Federal Reserve officials, including Goolsbee, Waller, and Cook, made several statements throughout the day. Goolsbee highlighted low hiring as a warning sign, while Waller dismissed a recent report suggesting AI would significantly displace white-collar jobs. Economic data released showed a rise in Consumer Confidence, although the Richmond Fed manufacturing index declined.

Market breadth was strong, with 9 of the 11 S&P sectors closing higher. The day was marked by anticipation for President Trump's State of the Union address and Nvidia's upcoming earnings report.

Economic Data

• Consumer Confidence Index: 91.2 (consensus 87.0), up from January's revised 89.0.
• Richmond Fed 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.

Commodities

Oil prices hovered near seven-month highs before retreating slightly. WTI crude fell to $65.63 per barrel, while Brent settled at $70.77. Gold prices also retreated from three-week highs due to profit-taking and a stronger dollar.

Sector News Breakdown

Autos

ACVA reported better-than-expected revenue and EBITDA, while Ford announced a recall of over 400,000 Explorer SUVs due to safety concerns.

Homebuilders

Home Depot reported mixed Q4 results, with a slight decline in revenue but an increase in adjusted EPS. Whirlpool's shares fell after announcing a public offering.

Leisure and Gaming

Planet Fitness shares fell despite better quarterly results, while SGHC shares rose after reporting revenue that exceeded expectations.

Energy

CEG posted strong Q4 earnings, while Morgan Stanley shifted its view on the global LNG market to cautious due to oversupply concerns.

Biotech & Pharma

Novo Nordisk plans to cut prices on its weight-loss drugs, impacting competitors. APLS reported strong revenue growth driven by its product SYFOVRE.

Conclusion

The market showed resilience following a day of AI-related concerns, with positive economic indicators and strong sector performances contributing to the overall rebound. Investors are closely monitoring upcoming earnings reports and geopolitical developments.