Tuesday delivered a broad-based rally that lifted every major U.S. index into positive territory, with the Nasdaq leading the charge at a robust 1.85% gain to close at 25,735.61. The tech-heavy index's outperformance signaled renewed appetite for growth names, even as Alphabet bucked the trend with a modest decline.
The S&P 500 climbed 0.83% to settle at 7,490.28, a fresh milestone that underscores the resilience of large-cap equities heading deeper into earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.69%, closing at 51,822.45, while the small-cap Russell 2000 punched above its weight with a 1.45% advance to 2,953.54 — a sign that risk appetite is spreading beyond megacap names.
UnitedHealth was the standout story of the session, surging 3.51% to $436.35 and providing meaningful support to the Dow. The healthcare giant's rally suggested investors are finding value in defensive growth as earnings season heats up.
Gold held elevated ground at $4,092.93, reflecting a macro backdrop where investors continue to hedge even amid equity enthusiasm. The combination of a strong equity rally and firm gold prices points to a market that is optimistic but not complacent.