U.S. equities moved higher on Tuesday as technology shares recovered from the previous session’s selloff, while falling Treasury yields and lower oil prices provided additional support to risk assets. At 2:02 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.19% at 53,518.20, the S&P 500 gained 0.19% to 7,667.06, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.45% to 26,096.52.

Technology Rebound Puts Nvidia at the Center of Attention

The technology sector was the strongest major driver of Tuesday’s recovery as investors repositioned ahead of Nvidia’s results on Wednesday. Nvidia shares rose 1.8%, while Meta gained 1.1% and Micron added 1.3%. The broader semiconductor index recovered 1% after falling 2.7% on Monday, while Advanced Micro Devices rose 4.4% following an upgrade from Raymond James.

The rebound comes after years of significant outperformance by semiconductor stocks. The accompanying LSEG chart shows the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index gaining approximately 1,387% over the past decade, compared with roughly 253% for the S&P 500. That performance underscores the high expectations now embedded in the sector and helps explain why Nvidia’s earnings have become an important test of the broader AI investment cycle.

Bond Yields and Oil Provide Relief for Equities

Longer-dated U.S. Treasury yields declined as oil prices fell to a one-week low, helping reduce some of the valuation pressure that had recently affected growth-oriented equities. Markets have been sensitive to the recent bond selloff, which pushed yields higher amid inflation concerns, fiscal pressures and uncertainty surrounding global monetary policy.

The decline in oil prices also provided some relief. Lower energy costs can reduce near-term inflationary pressure, although the market remains sensitive to geopolitical developments involving Iran and the potential impact on global energy supplies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s decision to expand Treasury buybacks is another factor investors are assessing as they evaluate liquidity and demand conditions in the bond market.

Consumer Confidence and Fed Policy Add to the Macro Test

Tuesday’s economic data offered a more mixed picture. U.S. consumer confidence fell to a seven-month low in August, suggesting that household sentiment remains vulnerable even as financial markets have shown resilience. Investors are now awaiting Wednesday’s Personal Consumption Expenditures report for additional evidence on the direction of price pressures and the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.

Money markets are currently pricing in one 25-basis-point rate increase by the end of the year. Against that backdrop, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech at Jackson Hole on Friday will be closely watched for indications about the central bank’s approach to interest rates.

Corporate Results Highlight Diverging Market Conditions

Individual stocks reflected the uneven corporate environment. Moderna surged 13.4% after Barclays raised its price target, following encouraging late-stage trial results for its jointly developed skin cancer vaccine with Merck. At the opposite end, Dick’s Sporting Goods plunged 29% after cutting its annual forecasts, while Nike fell 2.8%, highlighting continued concerns around discretionary consumer demand.

Looking ahead, Nvidia’s earnings represent the immediate catalyst for technology stocks and the broader AI trade. Investors will assess not only quarterly results but also evidence that hyperscaler spending and semiconductor demand can continue supporting elevated valuations. At the same time, inflation data, Treasury yields and the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole messaging will determine whether Tuesday’s rebound develops into broader market stability or proves to be a temporary pause in a more volatile late-summer trading environment.