Stock Market Today, Sept. 21: Tech Strength Powers Nasdaq to Record Close

The Nasdaq closed at a record 27,122 on September 21, 2026, up 2.26%, led by semiconductor and AI momentum. AMD surged nearly 10% and META rallied over 11% on AI developments. The S&P 500 gained 1.49% to 7,765, while the Dow advanced 0.71% to 52,049.

Bitcoin crossed $87,000 for the first time since January, benefiting from the broader risk-on sentiment. Crypto-linked names COIN and HOOD tracked the move higher in the equity session.

Morgan Stanley issued a cautionary note, warning that elevated Treasury yields and rising energy prices could trigger fresh market volatility. The bank's concern centers on the sustainability of the rally if macro headwinds intensify, particularly in the rate-sensitive tech complex that powered the Nasdaq's breakout.

QQQ, which mirrors Nasdaq-100 performance, sits at new highs alongside its underlying index.