Wall Street closed Monday on a mixed note, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both finishing at record highs for a second consecutive session, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped amid choppy trading and cautious investor sentiment.
The S&P 500 edged up 0.02 percent to end at 6,389.77, marking its sixth straight record close. The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.33 percent to settle at 21,178.58, also setting a fresh record. In contrast, the Dow fell 0.14 percent to finish at 44,837.56, weighed down by weakness in industrial and financial stocks.
Market sentiment was buoyed by the announcement of a new U.S.–European Union trade agreement, which significantly reduces the risk of escalating tariffs. The deal sets EU import tariffs at 15 percent, half the previously threatened rate, offering relief to global investors, though it sparked criticism in Europe. French officials described the agreement as overly conciliatory toward the United States.
Despite the positive headline, trading was volatile. Gains were concentrated in major technology stocks, while broader market breadth remained weak. On both the NYSE and Nasdaq, declining stocks outnumbered advancers. Energy shares led the way, while real estate and materials lagged.
Investors are treading carefully ahead of a high-stakes week packed with market-moving events. This includes earnings reports from tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, a crucial Federal Reserve policy meeting, and key economic data releases including core PCE inflation and July’s non-farm payrolls.
So far in 2025, the S&P 500 has gained approximately 8 to 8.6 percent, and the Nasdaq has rallied 9 to 9.7 percent, driven by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence, resilient corporate earnings, and easing trade tensions.
Quick Market Snapshot
Index Close Daily Change Year-to-Date Change (approx.)
S&P 500 6,389.77 Up 0.02 percent Up 8.6 percent
Nasdaq Composite 21,178.58 Up 0.33 percent Up 9.7 percent
Dow Jones 44,837.56 Down 0.14 percent Up 4.3 percent
What to Watch This Week
Earnings reports from Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta
Federal Reserve meeting and interest rate guidance
Core PCE inflation data and July employment report
Market reactions to the U.S.–EU trade agreement
Despite record highs, analysts remain divided on whether the rally will broaden beyond large-cap tech or face resistance from macroeconomic headwinds.
“There’s optimism around AI and trade progress, but breadth remains thin. The next few days could set the tone for the second half of the year,” said one market strategist.