Market Surge Continues as S&P 500 Reaches New Heights Amid Visa Fee Controversy and Corporate Moves

# Market Surge Continues as S&P 500 Reaches New Heights Amid Visa Fee Controversy and Corporate Moves

**Note**: This analysis is generated after US market close. Event times in US Eastern Time.

## Market Commentary

### Closing Bell: Overall Market Wrap-Up

The U.S. stock market closed on a positive note today, with major indices reaching new heights, buoyed by a combination of robust earnings reports and optimistic economic indicators. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all posted gains, reflecting a renewed investor confidence following last week’s Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, despite ongoing discussions about inflation and geopolitical tensions that could impact future economic stability.

### US Market: Performance of US Indices and Key Drivers

The S&P 500 rose by 0.44% to close at 6,693.75, marking another record close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.14%, finishing at 46,381.54, while the Nasdaq 100 surged by 0.55% to settle at 24,761.07. Key drivers for today’s performance included strong tech sector earnings, particularly from Nvidia, which continues to benefit from its leadership in AI and data center technology. Additionally, Fed Governor Stephen Miran’s comments advocating for aggressive interest rate cuts provided further encouragement to investors, helping to bolster market sentiment.

### Stocks: Notable Stock Movements and Sector Highlights

In stock movements, Nvidia saw a significant uptick, contributing to the overall market rally. The CEO, Jensen Huang, emphasized the importance of attracting talent to the U.S. tech sector, particularly in light of the recent H-1B visa fee increase proposed by the Trump administration, which could impact the availability of skilled labor. Other notable movements included Keurig Dr Pepper, which plummeted by 4.3% after a downgrade from BNP Paribas Exane, raising concerns about the company’s future performance amid a challenging market environment.

In contrast, shares of Better Home & Finance surged by 176% following a recommendation from hedge fund manager Eric Jackson, echoing a similar retail-driven rally seen in Opendoor Technologies earlier this year. The energy sector also garnered attention, with EQT’s CEO predicting a significant rise in domestic natural gas demand driven by AI infrastructure needs.

### News from the World Geopolitics and Economy

On the global front, geopolitical tensions and economic developments are influencing market dynamics. The Supreme Court’s decision allowing President Trump to remove FTC member Rebecca Slaughter has raised concerns over regulatory stability, particularly in the tech sector. Meanwhile, discussions regarding U.S. support for Argentina’s financial struggles have surfaced, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinting at potential financial assistance, which could have broader implications for emerging market stability.

In Europe, France’s recognition of a Palestinian state marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations, potentially impacting Western support for the region. Additionally, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent overtures to engage with the U.S. without preconditions on denuclearization may signal a thaw in relations, although skepticism remains high.

### Europe Markets: Performance of European Indices and Influences

European markets experienced mixed results today. The DAX fell by 0.48% to 23,527.05, while the CAC 40 declined by 0.30% to 7,830.11. Conversely, the FTSE 100 managed a slight gain of 0.11%, closing at 9,226.68. The divergence in performance can be attributed to varying economic indicators across the region, as well as the influence of the U.S. market’s positive momentum. The Euro gained strength against the Dollar, trading at 1.1802, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment favoring European equities amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.

In conclusion, today’s market performance underscores a complex interplay of domestic and international factors that are shaping investor sentiment. With key earnings reports and economic indicators on the horizon, market participants will be closely monitoring developments that could influence the trajectory of the indices in the coming weeks. The overall sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with a focus on maintaining growth amidst potential headwinds from inflation and

## Performances

### Indices

### FX and Commodities

## Today’s Major Economic Events Summary

On September 22, 2025, significant economic events influenced market dynamics, particularly in the currency sector. The Canadian RMPI for August reported a surprising decline of 0.6%, sharply contrasting with the forecasted increase of 1.2%. This unexpected downturn in the Canadian dollar (CAD) may lead to increased volatility, as traders reassess growth expectations and inflation pressures.

In the Eurozone, several key speeches from central bank officials, including German Buba President Nagel and ECB’s Lane, are anticipated to provide insights into monetary policy direction, potentially impacting the euro (EUR). The Bank of England (BoE) also has multiple members, including Governor Bailey, speaking, which could influence the British pound (GBP) amidst ongoing discussions about interest rates.

Overall, traders will closely monitor these developments for indications of future monetary policy adjustments, as they could significantly affect currency valuations and market sentiment throughout the day.