Markets ended the third quarter on a high, defying September’s usual weakness. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted their best Q3 since 2020 and strongest September since 2010, while the Dow hit a record high and the Russell 2000 notched its best Q3 since 2009 as the Fed began cutting rates.
The S&P 500 gained nearly 8% over the quarter, led by Technology and Consumer Discretionary, highlighting confidence in the economy despite shutdown concerns. Tech enthusiasm spread beyond the “Magnificent Seven,” with standouts like AppLovin, Robinhood, Western Digital, and Seagate. Nvidia surged nearly 20%, Intel 50%, and Oracle over 30% after its $300 billion cloud deal with OpenAI.
Tech now makes up nearly 39% of the S&P 500, trading at higher valuations but backed by faster earnings growth. Sector performance was led by Technology (+11%) and Consumer Discretionary, while Consumer Staples was the lone laggard, down over 3%.OEXN: Markets finish third quarter higher as Dow sets record and tech rally continues
Markets ended the third quarter on a high, defying September’s usual weakness. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted their best Q3 since 2020 and strongest September since 2010, while the Dow hit a record high and the Russell 2000 notched its best Q3 since 2009 as the Fed began cutting rates.
The S&P 500 gained nearly 8% over the quarter, led by Technology and Consumer Discretionary, highlighting confidence in the economy despite shutdown concerns. Tech enthusiasm spread beyond the “Magnificent Seven,” with standouts like AppLovin, Robinhood, Western Digital, and Seagate. Nvidia surged nearly 20%, Intel 50%, and Oracle over 30% after its $300 billion cloud deal with OpenAI.
Tech now makes up nearly 39% of the S&P 500, trading at higher valuations but backed by faster earnings growth. Sector performance was led by Technology (+11%) and Consumer Discretionary, while Consumer Staples was the lone laggard, down over 3%.Publication date:
2025-10-01 11:29:43 (GMT)
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