Stock Market News, Aug.25, 2026: Dow ends up 160 points, S&P 500 and Nasdaq finish higher; chip stocks jump a day ahead of Nvidia results and PCE inflation data; global oil prices dip below $88 a barrel

U.S. equities closed in the green Tuesday, with the Dow finishing up 160 points. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also posted gains as investors positioned ahead of two key Wednesday catalysts: Nvidia earnings and the PCE inflation print. Chip stocks rallied in anticipation of the graphics chipmaker's results.

Treasury yields eased alongside a dip in crude. Global oil prices slipped below $88 a barrel, offering relief on the energy front as traders parsed demand signals and awaited fresh inflation data.

The cross-asset move—stocks up, yields and oil down—reflects caution ahead of tomorrow's dual test. Nvidia has become the de facto bellwether for AI infrastructure spending, and any guidance wobble could ripple across tech. Meanwhile, PCE is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge; a hotter-than-expected read could reignite hawkish pricing in rates markets.