Nasdaq hits record close for second session on strong tech gains

U.S. stocks rallied on Friday, with the Nasdaq Composite securing a record close for the second consecutive session, while the S&P 500 narrowly missed another milestone amid ongoing investor optimism. The Nasdaq Composite closed at 21,450.02 points, up 1% on the day, driven by strong performance in major technology stocks [1]. The S&P 500 added 0.8%, showing robust gains but falling just short of reclaiming its all-time high [2]. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also rose, contributing to a broad-based market uplift as the week drew to a close [3].

The Nasdaq’s back-to-back record closes highlight the continued strength of the technology sector, which has maintained its position as a key driver of equity markets despite macroeconomic uncertainties. This momentum follows a week of strong performance, with the index showing resilience against short-term volatility [4]. The S&P 500’s near-record close suggests that overall market conditions remain favorable, though investors remain cautious about potential near-term resistance levels [5].

Market optimism was fueled by a combination of strong earnings reports and hopeful speculation about the easing of global tensions, including potential de-escalation in conflict zones. These developments helped the major indices recover much of the previous week’s losses, reinforcing the market’s quick rebound tendencies [6]. The Nasdaq’s performance was particularly notable due to its heavy weighting in large-cap tech names, which continue to attract significant inflows from both institutional and retail investors [7].

Analysts have observed that while the Nasdaq’s record close is a positive signal, the S&P 500’s inability to break through its prior high may indicate some near-term challenges. However, the broader market’s resilience and quick rebounds suggest continued investor confidence in equities over the medium term [8]. The focus remains on how macroeconomic developments, including potential shifts in policy and trade dynamics, could shape the trajectory of these gains [9].

The recent market action reflects a broader narrative of selective optimism and sector-specific strength. As technology stocks continue to lead the way, the market remains attentive to how broader economic signals and policy developments will influence future performance [10].

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Sources:

[1] Seeking, [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4482590-nasdaq-composite-sp500-dow-jones-stock-news-today](https://seekingalpha.com/news/4482590-nasdaq-composite-sp500-dow-jones-stock-news-today)

[2] Yahoo.com, [https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-rise-as-wall-street-eyes-trump-moves-on-fed-160634350.html](https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-rise-as-wall-street-eyes-trump-moves-on-fed-160634350.html)

[3] Investopedia, [https://www.investopedia.com/dow-jones-today-08082025-11787424](https://www.investopedia.com/dow-jones-today-08082025-11787424)

[4] Schaeffer's, [https://www.schaeffersresearch.com/content/ezines/2025/08/08/stocks-secure-best-week-in-a-month-nasdaq-hits-record-close](https://www.schaeffersresearch.com/content/ezines/2025/08/08/stocks-secure-best-week-in-a-month-nasdaq-hits-record-close)

[5] Proactive, [https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1076346/nasdaq-surges-to-new-high-as-gold-pulls-back-fed-in-focus-1076346.html](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1076346/nasdaq-surges-to-new-high-as-gold-pulls-back-fed-in-focus-1076346.html)

[6] Barchart.com, [https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34003712/stocks-rally-on-positive-earnings-and-hopes-for-an-end-to-russia-ukraine-war](https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34003712/stocks-rally-on-positive-earnings-and-hopes-for-an-end-to-russia-ukraine-war)

[7] San, [https://www.smdailyjournal.com/business/stocks-rise-on-wall-street-and-hold-on-to-weekly-gains/article_f95c2c2f-4d4e-5a97-8b16-24be03e50be1.html](https://www.smdailyjournal.com/business/stocks-rise-on-wall-street-and-hold-on-to-weekly-gains/article_f95c2c2f-4d4e-5a97-8b16-24be03e50be1.html)

[8] Seeking, [https://seekingalpha.com/market-news/trending](https://seekingalpha.com/market-news/trending)

[10] AOL.com, [https://www.aol.com/sweet-spot-tariffs-markets-could-160951491.html](https://www.aol.com/sweet-spot-tariffs-markets-could-160951491.html)