Stocks Edge Higher Ahead of Apple’s Showcase

U.S. stocks closed modestly higher Monday, with major indexes advancing as investors positioned themselves ahead of Apple’s closely watched product launch on Tuesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 114.09 points, or 0.25%, to finish at 45,514.9. The S&P 500 climbed 13.65 points, or 0.21%, to 6,495.15, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 98.31 points, or 0.45%, to 21,798.7. The small-cap Russell 2000 also edged higher, gaining 0.48 points, or 0.20%, to 238.25.

Market breadth reflected a cautious but constructive tone. 48.9% of stocks advanced while 47.5% declined, a nearly even split that underscored the selective nature of the rally. More encouragingly, 68.8% of issues hit new highs versus 31.2% at new lows, suggesting underlying momentum across sectors. Technical measures also leaned bullish, with 58.4% of stocks trading above their 50-day moving average and 55.0% above their 200-day levels. A sentiment gauge showed bulls outnumbering bears, 56% to 44%.

The day’s moves came as investors looked ahead to Apple’s annual September product launch on Tuesday, widely expected to feature its new iPhone 17 lineup. The event carries heightened importance for the market given Apple’s significant weighting in major indexes and its recent stock rally, fueled by relief on tariffs and regulatory clarity. While anticipation built into Monday’s close, the market’s restrained tone reflected caution that the unveiling could turn into a “sell-the-news” moment if the company fails to deliver on high expectations.

With the Nasdaq outperforming, technology shares once again led gains, while the broader S&P 500 and Dow notched smaller advances. The Russell 2000’s more subdued performance suggested that investors were favoring large-cap, index-heavy names over riskier small-cap stocks.

Despite the upbeat close, the split between advancers and decliners illustrated lingering market uncertainty. Many investors remain focused on whether the Apple launch can sustain momentum or if attention will shift back to macroeconomic headwinds later in the week.