US stock market today: Nasdaq jumps, S&P 500 nears record, and Dow climbs — Nvidia surges as Fed cut hopes Middle East truce
US Stock market today: Nasdaq leads rally, S&P 500 eyes record as rate cut hopes and Trump ceasefire lift Wall Street- The stock market today climbed on renewed optimism, with the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) leading gains and the S&P 500 (^GSPC) moving closer to an all-time high. Tech stocks were the main driver on Wednesday, as hopes of a Federal Reserve interest-rate cut and stability in the Middle East boosted investor confidence. Nvidia (NVDA) surged over 2%, pushing toward a record close, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s latest remarks strengthened expectations that rate cuts may come “sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile, a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, backed strongly by President Donald Trump, appeared to hold steady. This helped ease geopolitical tensions and bring some stability to oil prices, even after recent sharp declines.
US stock market data today: Nvidia soars
The US stock market today (June 25, 2025) showed steady gains, driven by tech strength and positive signals from the Federal Reserve. The Nasdaq Composite led the charge, rising 0.6%, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.2%, putting it just 0.7% below its all-time high of around 6,144. The Dow Jones Industrial Average remained mostly flat, showing minimal movement.
Market outlook
- Nasdaq Composite: +0.6%
- S&P 500: +0.2%, nearing all-time high
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: flat
- Nvidia (NVDA): +2%
- Oil (Brent): ~$66
- Oil (WTI): ~$65
- Bitcoin: >$107,000
What’s going on with Nvidia and tech stocks?
The tech sector stole the spotlight once again, with Nvidia (NVDA) surging over 3% and flirting with a new record close above $152. The chipmaker, which has seen its stock jump nearly 13% over the past month, is riding high on sustained AI demand and investor momentum. Reddit (RDDT) shares also extended gains, rising over 3% Wednesday morning after climbing 5% the previous day. The social media platform is now up around 40% for the month as excitement builds around its new AI tools and stronger advertiser traction. Analysts note that Reddit’s efforts to expand beyond Google Search traffic could help reduce recent user volatility.
Meanwhile, Tesla (TSLA) was a rare tech laggard, falling more than 5% after European Union car registrations showed a steep 41% drop year-over-year in May — its fifth straight month of EU sales decline. Despite a broader rally among the “Magnificent Seven,” Tesla remained in the red.
Key Stock Movers:
- Nvidia (NVDA): +3.37% to $152.89 — near record territory
- Reddit (RDDT): +3.38% to $145.55 — up 40% in June
- Tesla (TSLA): -5% — EU sales tumble for fifth straight month
- Hims & Hers (HIMS): +1.93% after split from Novo Nordisk (NVO)
Why is the Nasdaq surging while the Dow lags behind?
The Nasdaq Composite rose around 0.6%, fueled by a strong performance from tech giants like Nvidia, which continues to ride the AI wave. The S&P 500 also gained more than 0.2%, inching closer to record territory. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was barely above flat, reflecting weaker movement in industrial and financial sectors compared to tech.
Tech stocks were lifted not just by strong earnings and optimism around AI, but also by renewed expectations that the Federal Reserve might ease policy sooner than previously thought. Nvidia’s 2% jump added momentum, positioning it for a potential record close.
What did Jerome Powell say that excited investors?
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, speaking to Congress on Tuesday, said that the central bank could move “sooner rather than later” on rate cuts if inflation data continues to support such a move. This has shifted investor sentiment considerably, especially ahead of his second round of testimony on Wednesday.
Markets are now bracing for Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index — the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. Economists expect the core PCE — which excludes volatile food and energy prices — to show a slight uptick in May from April. Investors are watching closely for signs that Trump-era tariffs may have affected prices.
How is Trump’s Middle East ceasefire impacting the market?
A major positive signal for the stock market today came from the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by the Trump administration. Since President Trump publicly warned both nations after they violated an earlier pause agreement, there have been no new reported strikes. This has reduced fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East and brought some calm to global markets.
Stability in the region helped oil prices rebound modestly after sharp losses. Brent futures, which had seen their biggest two-day drop since 2022, traded back above $66 a barrel, while WTI crude hovered near $65.
Are oil prices recovering from recent sharp declines?
Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday as tensions in the Middle East appeared to cool. Brent crude futures (BZ=F), the international benchmark, regained earlier losses and traded slightly above $66. WTI crude (CL=F) also steadied at around $65.
The modest rebound comes after oil suffered a steep two-day drop — the largest since 2022 — driven by concerns about oversupply and demand uncertainties. With geopolitical risks easing and markets focused on inflation data and interest rate signals, oil markets are likely to remain volatile through the week.
What’s next for the stock market this week?
The key event to watch now is the PCE inflation report coming on Friday. If the data shows that inflation is easing — or at least not accelerating — it could give the Federal Reserve more room to begin cutting interest rates. That’s the outcome Wall Street is hoping for.
Meanwhile, investors are still digesting the implications of Trump’s strong diplomatic moves in the Middle East, as well as ongoing earnings from major tech firms. The S&P 500 continues to hover near its record high, and many are watching to see if a breakout happens before the end of the week.
- Nasdaq gained 0.6%, leading the market higher with Nvidia surging over 2%.
- S&P 500 rose 0.2%, staying in reach of a fresh record.
- Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled that rate cuts could come sooner, raising hopes on Wall Street.
- Trump-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel helped cool oil markets and boost investor confidence.
- Brent crude traded above $66 after a major two-day fall; WTI held steady near $65.
- PCE inflation data on Friday will be critical for market direction and rate cut bets.
FAQs:
Q1: What pushed the stock market today higher?
The market rose on hopes of Fed rate cuts and easing Middle East tensions.
Q2: Why is the Nasdaq rising more than the Dow?
Tech stocks, especially Nvidia, are boosting Nasdaq more than other indexes.