Market Overview:
U.S. stocks ended the session on a strong note, with all major indexes closing higher as investors embraced risk amid easing volatility and steady economic sentiment. The Russell 2000 led the charge with a 1.29% advance, reflecting renewed optimism in small-cap equities that have lagged much of the year. The broader S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also recorded healthy gains, each adding nearly a full percentage point.

The Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.15%, supported by technology and growth sectors, while the Dow 30 rose 1.16% to finish at 47,274.40, extending its upward momentum from earlier in the week.

Key Market Closures:

• Russell 2000: 2,514.72 (+1.29%)

• Nasdaq: 23,204.87 (+1.15%)

• Dow 30: 47,274.40 (+1.16%)

• S&P 500: 6,802.48 (+0.95%)

• S&P/TSX Composite Index: 30,350.68 (+0.54%)

• IBOVESPA (Brazil): 146,241.20 (+0.36%)

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index slipped marginally by 0.01% to 98.92, marking a stable close as traders digested mixed macro signals from both domestic and global data. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)—often referred to as Wall Street’s “fear gauge”—fell sharply by 5.43% to 16.36, its lowest level in weeks, signaling calmer sentiment across markets.

Small-Cap Strength Returns:
The rally in small-cap stocks stood out, suggesting improved risk appetite among investors. Market participants appeared to favor cyclical and domestically focused companies as Treasury yields steadied and economic data continued to point toward resilience in the U.S. economy.

The rebound in the Russell 2000 may also reflect growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rate levels for longer, offering stability for smaller firms sensitive to financing conditions.

Technology and Blue Chips Lift Broader Indexes:
Tech heavyweights helped propel the Nasdaq higher, driven by strong earnings momentum and optimism around AI and semiconductor growth. The S&P 500’s gain underscored broad participation across sectors—from technology to financials and consumer discretionary—indicating investors’ willingness to re-engage with equities after a volatile stretch earlier this month.

Blue-chip stocks in the Dow also benefited from rotation into value-oriented names, hinting at a more balanced rally as the year-end approaches.

Global Snapshot:
In Canada, the S&P/TSX Composite Index added 0.54%, bolstered by energy and financial names. Brazil’s IBOVESPA inched 0.36% higher as commodities remained stable and investor sentiment improved across Latin America.

Overall, Friday’s closing data painted a picture of broader market confidence, with reduced volatility and a modest pullback in the dollar reflecting renewed equilibrium in risk assets.

Outlook:
Investors will now shift focus to next week’s economic data and corporate earnings updates for clues on the Federal Reserve’s policy stance heading into year-end. For now, the market’s upward momentum and declining volatility hint that investor sentiment may be stabilizing after weeks of uncertainty.