Markets closed out the second quarter on a broadly positive note Tuesday, with the Nasdaq leading the charge higher, gaining 1.70% to finish at 26,731.32. The tech-heavy index was propelled by strength in mega-cap names, with Apple posting the session's standout gain among large-caps. The S&P 500 added 0.78% to settle at 7,475.17, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a more modest advance of 0.14%, closing at 51,909.89.
The Russell 2000 also participated in the quarter-end rally, rising 0.50% to 2,992.48, suggesting the risk-on tone extended beyond just large-cap technology. Quarter-end window dressing by institutional managers likely amplified gains across the board, as portfolio managers moved to shore up positions in high-performing sectors before the books closed on Q2.
Gold remained elevated at $4,022.71, reflecting persistent demand for hard assets even as equities rallied — a reminder that macro uncertainty hasn't fully dissipated beneath the surface optimism.
UnitedHealth was the notable drag among blue chips, falling 1.00% to $415.63, keeping the Dow's gains in check. Overall, though, the session carried a constructive tone as Wall Street turned the page into the second half of 2026.