NEW YORK, September 2, 2026, 18:00 (EDT)
- The Russell 2000 rose 1.13%, outperforming the S&P 500 by 0.67 percentage point.
- On the NYSE, advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by a ratio of 1.62-to-1, while on Nasdaq, the ratio was 1.72-to-1.
- Main index ETFs fluctuated in a range from up 0.03% to down 0.09% between 17:00 and 18:00 EDT.
U.S. small-cap stocks climbed 1.13% on Wednesday, outperforming the S&P 500 by 0.67 percentage point as Wall Street ended a three-session losing run Associated Press.
The rebound was more significant thanks to its widespread participation, rather than being limited to just megacap stocks. Advancers on the NYSE led decliners by 1,680 to 1,040. On the Nasdaq, 2,156 stocks advanced while 1,256 fell closing data.
After-hours trading failed to carry the rally forward. Between 17:00 and 18:00 EDT, SPY rose 0.03%. QQQ was little changed, while DIA slipped 0.07% and IWM edged down 0.09%.
Between the market open and 18:00 EDT, SPY was up 0.34%. QQQ rose 0.31%, DIA increased 0.17% and IWM climbed 0.81% Nasdaq intraday feed.
Closing rebound, quiet final hour
Sources: Associated Press closing levels; one-minute prints from Nasdaq quote feeds for SPY, QQQ, DIA and IWM. Extended-hours prices can be thin.
The S&P 500 settled at 7,666.60. The Dow ended at 53,061.95, and the Nasdaq Composite wrapped up the session at 26,217.83. The Russell 2000 closed at 2,953.17.
After-hours trading continued. As of 18:04 EDT, Nasdaq feeds indicated SPY volume at 41.1 million shares and QQQ at 35.2 million shares. IWM registered a volume of 22.8 million shares.
One strong day, a negative week
Price return through the September 2 close. Each row shows Wednesday first, then week-to-date.
Source: Associated Press. Daily returns use exact closing-point changes; week figures are reported to one decimal place.
The recovery failed to offset the week’s losses. All major indexes are still down between 0.6% and 0.9% since Friday. As a result, Wednesday’s broad advance does not provide a definitive risk-on indication.
Sector gains were driven by basic materials, health care, and financial stocks. Technology shares were mixed, as Nvidia advanced while some losses were seen in Palo Alto Networks.
Dell Technologies NYSE:DELL surged 15.81% following an upward revision to its revenue forecast. Nvidia NASDAQ:NVDA advanced 3.21%. Palo Alto Networks NASDAQ:PANW slid 9.28%, highlighting continued unevenness in the technology sector’s recovery market report.
Snowflake NYSE:SNOW emerged as the most notable mover after the market closed. Shares rose to $373.67 by 18:00 EDT, up 22.0% from the previous close. The company increased its fiscal 2027 product revenue projection to $6.07 billion Reuters.
Broadcom NASDAQ:AVGO posted a more pronounced turnaround. Shares gained 4.3% between 17:00 and 18:00 EDT, hitting $369.00. Revenue for the quarter increased by 86% to $29.6 billion, and the company’s fourth-quarter forecast stood at $34.8 billion company release.
Three gauges behind the rebound
Closing market levels and the day’s private-payroll release.
Sources: Associated Press for Brent and Treasuries; ADP National Employment Report for payrolls. Figures are as of September 2, 2026.
Macro pressures lessened but remained present. Brent closed up 1% at $95.63. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down one basis point to 4.78%.
ADP stated that just 38,000 new private-sector jobs were added in August. The manufacturing sector declined by 17,000 roles, while professional and business services reduced headcount by 16,000 ADP.
Baird strategist Michael Antonelli told the Associated Press that the latest surge in yields led investors to question “how much is too much.” There was no similar rate jolt on Wednesday.
Risks: Limited liquidity during extended-hours trading may amplify individual stock fluctuations. A return of volatility in oil or Treasuries could undermine the overall recovery.
The next significant test comes on Friday, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to publish August jobs figures at 08:30 EDT official schedule.
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