Stock Market Today, Feb. 24: Broad Rally Lifts Markets As Investors Look Ahead to Nvidia Earnings Tomorrow and Trump's State of the Union
The Motley Fool
by newsfeedback@fool.com (Josh Kohn-Lindquist)February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The stock market saw a broad rally on February 24, 2026, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all closing higher. This upward movement was driven by easing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) following a viral post that sparked fears about its "doomsday potential." Investors also appeared to shift their focus toward key upcoming events, including Nvidia's earnings report the next day and President Trump’s State of the Union address.
The rally came after a recent sell-off in stocks triggered by AI-related worries and a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. The market has shown significant volatility this year, swinging from fears about "software stocks dying" to concerns over AI-heavy companies needing to demonstrate returns on investment (ROI) in 2026. This dynamic has created opportunities for market rotations as investors adjust their strategies.
Tech stocks played a major role in the rally, with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) climbing after reports of a new AI chip deal with Meta Platforms. Meanwhile, biotech companies saw strong gains, with Iovance Biotherapeutics jumping 32% following positive trial data for sarcoma treatment. On the other hand, staples like General Mills underperformed due to a downgrade, while J.M. Smucker outpaced peers after a Bank of America upgrade.
The broader market’s resilience highlights investor optimism despite recent headwinds. The rally suggests that AI-related fears may have been overblown and that markets are recalibrating ahead of key earnings reports and macroeconomic events. This shift underscores the importance of staying attuned to both company-specific developments and broader economic trends in today's volatile environment.
For finance professionals and investors, this market behavior underscores the need for adaptability and strategic thinking. The rapid shifts between sectors and concerns emphasize the value of diversification and long-term perspective in navigating unpredictable markets. As key earnings reports and political events loom large, staying informed about potential catalysts will remain critical for successful investing.
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Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/24/2026