The stock market experienced a mixed week, with indices setting new records mid-week before pulling back on Friday amid tech sector weakness and inflation data releases. Investors focused on Federal Reserve signals for potential rate cuts, Nvidia’s upcoming earnings, and PCE inflation figures that came in line with expectations. Overall, volatility remained low, with the VIX hovering in the 14-16 range, indicating stable market conditions despite some sector rotations. The S&P 500 gained about 0.3% for the week, the Dow rose approximately 0.6%, and the Nasdaq was roughly flat, contributing to a positive August close for major indices.
Below is a day-by-day breakdown, including key index performances, notable news, and volatility analysis. Index data includes closing prices where available, with percentage changes calculated from the previous trading day’s close. Volumes are from Dow data as a proxy for market activity.
August 25, 2025 (Monday)
Indices Breakdown:
Dow Jones: Close 45,282.47, -0.8% (Retreat from prior record high.)
S&P 500: Close 6,439.32, -0.43% (Pulled back after recent gains.)
Nasdaq: Close 21,449.29, -0.22% (Tech sector weighed down slightly.)
Key News: Stocks declined as the market digested Federal Reserve comments from the prior week, with the Dow retreating from its record close. Investors awaited key economic data, including consumer confidence, amid ongoing discussions about potential rate cuts and political developments like Trump’s statements on tariffs.
Volatility Analysis: The VIX closed at 15.36, reflecting moderate market caution after the prior rally. Daily ranges were contained (e.g., Dow high-low spread ~0.9%), with no major swings. Volume: 654,333,000 (elevated amid data anticipation).
August 26, 2025 (Tuesday)
Indices Breakdown:
Dow Jones: Close 45,418.07, +0.3% (Modest gains amid steady trading.)
S&P 500: Close 6,465.94, +0.4% (Advanced on broad sector support.)
Nasdaq: Close 21,544.27, +0.4% (Tech rebound led the way.)
Key News: Wall Street closed higher as investors positioned for upcoming economic reports like GDP and PCE inflation. Confidence grew around Federal Reserve rate cuts, though Trump attempted to influence Fed decisions, adding some uncertainty.
Volatility Analysis: VIX dipped to 14.43, signaling reduced anxiety. Intraday volatility was low (Dow range ~0.6%), with stable conditions prevailing. Volume: 474,882,000 (average).
August 27, 2025 (Wednesday)
Indices Breakdown:
Dow Jones: Close 45,565.23, +0.32% (Approached prior record.)
S&P 500: Close 6,481.40, +0.24% (New record close.)
Nasdaq: Close 21,590.14, +0.21% (Gains ahead of Nvidia earnings.)
Key News: The S&P 500 notched a fresh record as traders braced for Nvidia’s earnings report. Market sentiment remained positive on Fed rate cut expectations, with steady Treasury yields supporting equities.
Volatility Analysis: VIX held at 14.43, in low territory. Daily fluctuations were minimal (Dow range ~0.5%), indicating calm ahead of key events. Volume: 1,045,000,000 (higher due to anticipation).
August 28, 2025 (Thursday)
Indices Breakdown:
Dow Jones: Close 45,636.90, +0.17% (New record close.)
S&P 500: Close 6,501.86, +0.32% (Extended record streak.)
Nasdaq: Close 21,705.16, +0.53% (Boosted by tech enthusiasm.)
Key News: Major indices hit record closes, with the Dow and S&P advancing despite Nvidia’s post-earnings slip. Investors shrugged off AI concerns, focusing on resilient economic data and rate cut prospects.
Volatility Analysis: VIX edged up slightly to 14.85, still low overall. Intraday moves were subdued (Dow range ~0.5%), with sector-specific rotations but no broad instability. Volume: 670,717,000 (moderate).
August 29, 2025 (Friday)
Indices Breakdown:
Dow Jones: Close 45,544.88, -0.2% (Pulled back from record.)
S&P 500: Close 6,460.26, -0.64% (Declined on tech weakness.)
Nasdaq: Close 21,455.55, -1.15% (Sharp drop led by chips.)
Key News: Stocks closed lower after PCE inflation data met expectations, but tech tumbled with Nvidia and Broadcom leading declines. Despite the dip, indices capped a winning August, with the S&P up 1.9% for the month amid Fed optimism.
Volatility Analysis: VIX rose to 15.36, the week’s high but historically low, amid end-of-month adjustments. Intraday volatility increased modestly (Dow range ~0.6%), with profit-taking in tech, but overall stability held. Volume: 1,167,000,000 (elevated, end-of-week effect).