Stock Market Today Aug 23 2026: Stocks Rise on Nvidia Week

Stocks are ticking higher to start the week, and if you're just beginning your investing journey, this is a great moment to pay attention. The S&P 500 rose 0.41% to $765.72, the NASDAQ climbed 0.35% to $713.44, and the Dow led the way with a solid 0.89% gain to $532.22. The mood is cautiously optimistic, and two major events later this week are the reason why.

The stock market today is largely being driven by anticipation. Nvidia, one of the most important companies in the artificial intelligence boom, is set to report its quarterly earnings this week. For investors, Nvidia's results are a kind of report card on how the entire AI industry is doing. When Nvidia does well, it tends to lift the broader tech sector — and when it disappoints, the ripple effects can be felt across the market. If you own an S&P 500 index fund, you already have meaningful exposure to Nvidia, so this matters to you even if you've never bought a single share directly.

The other big event is Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh delivering his first-ever speech at Jackson Hole, the annual gathering where the Fed often signals its plans for interest rates. Interest rates affect everything from mortgage costs to how much companies pay to borrow money, so any hints about where rates are headed next can move markets quickly. For new investors, think of it this way: lower rates generally make stocks more attractive, while higher rates can create headwinds.

Meanwhile, global headlines are adding some texture to today's market update. Iran announced the discovery of over 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and Gulf markets rose as oil prices gained. Sinopec, one of China's largest energy companies, reported a 19.3% jump in half-year profit despite geopolitical tensions and falling demand. Oil and energy prices ripple through the global economy, affecting everything from gas prices to shipping costs, so these stories are worth watching even if you don't invest in energy stocks directly. On the political front, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Jared Kushner as midterm elections approach, a reminder that political shifts can influence market policy and investor sentiment.

In the airline world, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shared a wide-ranging vision for the carrier's future, touching on proposed megadeals and the use of AI. The airline is also figuring out what to do with Boeing 737 Max 10 orders that have been delayed for years — a real-world example of how supply chain issues and regulatory delays can affect even the biggest companies.

Weeks like this one remind us why long-term investors benefit from staying informed without overreacting — big earnings reports and Fed speeches create short-term noise, but your investment plan should be built to weather all of it.