S&P 500 rises slightly as yields fall, Nasdaq boosted by chip names: Live updates

The S&P 500 added 0.2% Tuesday as Treasury yields declined for a second consecutive session, while the Nasdaq Composite outperformed on strength in semiconductor stocks. Investors positioned ahead of Nvidia's upcoming earnings report, driving chip names higher.

The yield retreat marks the second straight day of easing in fixed-income markets, providing relief to growth-oriented equities concentrated in the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Semiconductor stocks led the advance, with market participants awaiting Nvidia's quarterly results as a bellwether for artificial intelligence demand and chip-sector health.

The S&P 500's modest gain reflects a market balancing lower borrowing costs against uncertainty over the trajectory of both monetary policy and corporate earnings. The Nasdaq's outperformance underscores continued concentration in a narrow set of technology leaders, particularly those tied to the AI theme.

Tuesday's session continues a pattern of yield-driven equity moves, where falling rates disproportionately benefit long-duration assets like growth stocks while the broader market registers smaller gains.