Nasdaq up 1.9%
The Nasdaq posted the biggest gain of the major indices on the day, driven largely by a semiconductor stock rally.
Snapshot · Schwab Network
Stock Market Today: NVDA $4B Bet, AI Stocks & ORCL Under Pressure
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Jul 21, 2026
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Market Recap: Indices Close Green Across the Board
At 0:05 · chapter starts 0:00
The session ends with every major U.S. index in the green — and one well ahead of the pack. The Nasdaq's 1.9% gain towers over the Russell's 1.5%, the S&P's 0.9%, and the Dow's modest 0.7%, and the reason is no mystery [1] — Marlee Caden "The Nasdaq jumped 1.9%, its biggest gain among major indices, powered almost entirely by a rip in semiconductor stocks. Micron, SanDisk, an…" 00:05 . Semiconductor stocks exploded higher, with Micron, SanDisk, and Western Digital each climbing as much as 14.3% in a single session [1] — Marlee Caden "The Nasdaq jumped 1.9%, its biggest gain among major indices, powered almost entirely by a rip in semiconductor stocks. Micron, SanDisk, an…" 00:05 . Nvidia — the bellwether of the AI trade — closed 2% higher, suggesting the broader rotation back into technology was purposeful rather than speculative. With major big tech earnings looming later in the week, investors appear to be pre-positioning, betting that strong results will validate the AI infrastructure boom. The session reads less like a random rally and more like a deliberate bet.
Broad Market Gains: Nasdaq Leads, All Indices Green
Every major index closed higher on the day. The Nasdaq led at 1.9%, followed by the Russell at 1.5%, the S&P at 0.9%, and the Dow at 0.7% — a broad risk-on session driven by AI and semiconductor optimism.
Semiconductors Ignite the Nasdaq's 1.9% Surge
The Nasdaq jumped 1.9%, its biggest gain among major indices, powered almost entirely by a rip in semiconductor stocks. Micron, SanDisk, and Western Digital each surged up to 14.3% as investors rotated back into the AI trade.
Russell 2000 up 1.5%
The Russell small-cap index gained 1.5% on the day, second only to the Nasdaq among major indices.
S&P 500 up 0.9%, Dow up 0.7%
The S&P 500 rose 0.9% and the Dow added 0.7%, both lagging the Nasdaq and Russell on the day.
Micron/SanDisk/WD up 14.3%
Micron, SanDisk, and Western Digital each rallied as much as 14.3%, driving the semiconductor-led Nasdaq surge.
Nvidia closed +2%
Nvidia closed 2% higher as investors rotated back into the AI trade ahead of major big tech earnings.
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