Market Wrap: Thursday, September 17, 2026 — S&P 500, Nasdaq & Dow Jones

The U.S. stock market ended the day in a risk-on tone, with all three major indices posting gains. The S&P 500 led the way with a 1.14% increase, followed by the Nasdaq Composite at 1.69%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average at 0.61%. The broad-based rally was driven by a retreat from the previous day's selloff, which was sparked by the Federal Reserve's rate hike and signals of further tightening. Treasury yields eased, providing some relief to the market, while falling oil prices and a rally in technology stocks also contributed to the positive sentiment. Generac, Nebius, CoreWeave, Nokia, Arm, and Fluence were among the stocks that helped explain today's market performance, with their movements reflecting broader trends in the energy and tech sectors.

The market's recovery from the Fed-sparked selloff was a notable theme, with stocks rising as investors sought to recoup losses and regain their footing. The crypto market, however, saw a decline in prices as the Clarity Act failed to provide the clarity it was hoped to bring, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the digital asset space. The market's performance was also influenced by a mix of optimism and caution, with some investors expressing concerns about the potential for a doomsday scenario, particularly in the context of the AI-led bull market. Overall, the market's tone was one of cautious optimism, with investors looking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving economic and financial landscape.