Market Update: Nasdaq Leads the Pack

On July 16, 2025, a pigeon was spotted wandering in front of the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York City.

It seems last week was quite the achievement for the Nasdaq Composite. After reaching a high on Friday, it outperformed both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which ended the week lower. In fact, the technology-heavy index recorded its highest closure for five consecutive days.

Over the past week, the Nasdaq Composite made a 2% gain, surpassing the S&P 500’s rise of 1.6% and the Dow’s increase of just 1%. This trend, where the Nasdaq consistently outpaces its counterparts, isn’t exactly shocking. As the so-called “Tech Heavy Index,” it makes sense that technology companies are primarily driving this performance.

However, it’s not solely about tech. The influence of artificial intelligence, notably from companies like OpenAI, seems to be playing a significant role in this upward trend. Stocks like Oracle saw notable gains last week, largely due to their involvement with AI firms. Other related companies, such as Broadcom and Nvidia, have also contributed to this stock surge.

Additionally, interest rate cuts announced by the US Federal Reserve are expected to particularly benefit startups and tech firms that require significant funding but may not yet be profitable, like OpenAI.

Key Insights for Today

And Finally…

At the IAA Auto Show in Munich, Germany, the CEO of XPENG engaged with reporters. The event, held on September 8, 2025, showcased the fierce competition between electric vehicle manufacturers.

In a market traditionally dominated by established European automakers, a Chinese electric vehicle company is attempting to challenge these legacy brands on their home ground. Europe has become a target for Asian firms, especially as established carmakers struggle to keep pace with electric vehicle innovations. Meanwhile, Tesla, once a frontrunner in the electric vehicle arena, has experienced a dip in sales in this region.