U.S. stocks surged on Tuesday to nearly a two-week high as softer-than-expected inflation data bolstered investor confidence in the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate cuts. All three major indexes ended the day in positive territory, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) gaining 1% or 408.63 points to close at 39,765.64 points. The S&P 500 rose 1.7% or 90.04 points to finish at 5,434.43 points, with technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services stocks leading the gains.
The Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) jumped 3.1%, the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY) gained 2.5%, and the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (XLC) rose 1.3%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq also saw a significant increase, jumping 2.4% or 407 points to finish at 17,187.61 points. The fear-gauge CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) was down 12.51% to 18.12, indicating a more positive market sentiment.
Investors had been eagerly awaiting the release of key inflation data, with the producer price index (PPI) showing a modest increase of just 0.1% month over month in July, below the consensus estimate of 0.2%. Core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, remained unchanged in July. The softer-than-expected inflation data reinforced expectations of a 50 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, leading to the market rally on Tuesday.
Tech stocks were among the biggest gainers, with shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL) rising 1.4% and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) gaining 1.8%. Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) was the best performer on the S&P 500, with shares surging 24.5% after the appointment of Chipotle Mexican Grill’s (CMG) Brian Niccol as chairman and CEO.
Overall, the positive performance of U.S. stocks on Tuesday was driven by the anticipation of Federal Reserve rate cuts following the release of softer-than-expected inflation data. Investors are now looking ahead to the upcoming consumer price index reading, which will provide further insight into the Fed’s future monetary policy decisions.