U.S. stocks closed mixed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, as a sell-off in tech stocks put pressure on the market. The S&P 500 fell 37.78 points (0.6%) to 6,411.37, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 314.82 points (1.5%) to 21,314.95, influenced primarily by semiconductor shares. Notable declines included Nvidia (-3.5%), Advanced Micro Devices (-5.4%), and Broadcom (-3.6%). Software maker Palantir was the weakest performer, plunging over 9%.
In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 10.45 points (0.02%) to 44,922.27, as gains in financials and industrials helped offset the tech sector’s decline. This divergence indicates a shift toward value and dividend-paying stocks as investors prepare for upcoming economic announcements and Federal Reserve commentary.
