S&P 500, Nasdaq hit new closing highs on rate-cut hopes
NEW YORK: The benchmark S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices hit new closing highs for the second straight day on Wednesday on hopes that the Federal Reserve was getting close to a monetary easing cycle.
But the market reflected weakness in some technology stocks after the previous day's strong gains.
Signs that US tariffs on imports have not fully filtered into headline consumer prices came as a relief for investors this week as they seek insight on the impact of trade uncertainty on the economy.
Some large technology stocks including Nvidia, Alphabet and Microsoft – among the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks – closed lower as investors searched for new growth drivers.
"Valuations are elevated. I do think, though, at the end of the day, the key will be the delivery of earnings, and that's what we're seeing," said Katherine Bordlemay, co-head of client portfolio management, fundamental equities at Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
She said the dispersion of stock-level returns in the US is at one of the higher levels of the last 30 years.
Apple rose 1.6% after Bloomberg News reported the company is plotting expansion into AI-powered robots, home security and smart displays.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 463.66 points, or 1.04%, to 44,922.27, the S&P 500 gained 20.82 points, or 0.32%, to 6,466.58 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 31.24 points, or 0.14%, to 21,713.14.
The Russell 2000 index, which tracks rate-sensitive small-cap companies, rose almost 2% to hit a six-month high.
Traders are now fully pricing in a 25 basis-point interest rate cut, according to the CME's FedWatch Tool. The central bank last lowered borrowing costs in December. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday he thought an aggressive half-point cut was possible, given recent weak employment numbers.
Investors were also taking notice of other sectors following the recent tech-led rally in US stocks that has pushed valuations of the S&P 500 above long-term averages.
Healthcare stocks, which have been beaten down for much of the year, rose 1.6% to rank among the leading sectors in the 11 S&P 500 sectors.
Chicago Federal Reserve president Austan Goolsbee said on Wednesday the US central bank is grappling with understanding whether tariffs will push up inflation just temporarily or more persistently, which would inform its decision on when to cut interest rates.
CoreWeave, which is backed by Nvidia, fell almost 21% after the AI data center operator reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly net loss. Paramount Skydance jumped 36.7% as the company won exclusive broadcasting rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship for seven years.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 4.05-to-1 ratio on the NYSE. There were 630 new highs and 56 new lows on the NYSE.
On the Nasdaq, advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 2.53-to-1 ratio.
The S&P 500 posted 40 new 52-week highs and 2 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 149 new highs and 69 new lows.
Volume on US exchanges was relatively light, with 16.9 billion shares traded, compared with an average of 18.3 billion shares over the previous 20 sessions. — Reuters
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Malaysian Reserve
an hour ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Record Gold Prices Drive Mining Stock Rally as Analysts Eye $4,000 Price Target
USA News Group News Commentary Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — USA News Group News Commentary – The global gold market is witnessing an unprecedented convergence of bullish forces that could propel prices toward historic heights, as record-breaking momentum carries the precious metal beyond US$3,400 per ounce. Wall Street's most prestigious investment banks are raising their forecasts in unison, with J.P. Morgan targeting US$4,000 by mid-2026 and UBS analysts delivering enthusiastic endorsements for gold mining equities. As traditional safe-haven demand collides with aggressive central bank accumulation and mounting geopolitical uncertainties, the stage appears set for a sustained precious metals supercycle that extends far beyond current price levels. Among the companies positioned to capitalize on this extraordinary environment are Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: GAU) (TSX: GAU), i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: IAUX) (TSX: IAU), New Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: NGD) (TSX: NGD), and Integra Resources Corp. (NYSE-American: ITRG) (TSXV: ITR). What distinguishes this gold rally from previous cycles is the remarkable outperformance of mining equities, with the VanEck Gold Miners ETF surging over 40% year-to-date compared to gold's own impressive gains. Major financial institutions are now signaling a fundamental shift in how they value gold producers, as UBS projects a 'stronger for longer gold price environment' that should drive increased buyback activity and merger opportunities across the sector. The confluence of robust operational cash flows, streamlined capital allocation, and elevated commodity prices is creating what analysts describe as an optimal environment for mining stock re-rating, particularly among companies with established production profiles and clear development pathways. Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) stands on the verge of a transformation that could redefine its trajectory from explorer to producer, as the Nyati Resources processing facility reaches final commissioning stages. Located directly on one of LVG's Tembo licences adjacent to Barrick's sprawling Bulyanhulu Mine, the plant represents more than infrastructure—it's the catalyst for unlocking near-term cash flow from two advanced gold projects. Recent site inspections reveal a facility nearing operational readiness, with commissioning now targeted within the next four to six weeks. The existing 120 tonne-per-day carbon-in-pulp circuit operates under full licensing, while a substantially larger 500+ tpd line approaches completion. Combined capacity will exceed 600 tpd, supported by dual regrind mills, extended leach circuits, and grid-tied power systems with backup generation. Stockpiles await on the ROM pad as final equipment undergoes dry testing. 'It was impressive to see the scale and quality of construction firsthand,' David Scott, Managing Director Tanzania & Director of Lake Victoria Gold, who captured the momentum during his latest site visit. 'The Nyati team has delivered a well-engineered plant with strong attention to detail across all critical circuits. With commissioning just weeks away, the site is clearly in the final stages of readiness. This facility will play a key role in enabling our development strategy at Tembo and beyond.' The processing pathway accelerates LVG's dual-project advancement strategy. At the fully permitted Imwelo Gold Project, positioned just 12 km from AngloGold Ashanti's Geita mine, a strategic 7,750m drill program will targets Area C's highest-grade zones. The campaign splits between 3,750m of grade control drilling for immediate mine planning and 4,000m testing mineralized extensions, building on intercepts including 6.8m at 14.6 g/t gold from 33m and 7m at 3.22 g/t from 27m. 'We've designed this program to maximize Imwelo's short-term production readiness while extending the upside case,' said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of Lake Victoria Gold. 'The drill data will help us finalize early mine scheduling, validate pit design, and potentially unlock high-grade extensions. With Area C now fully defined as our initial production zone, we're making meaningful progress toward Tanzania's next gold producer.' Simultaneously, Tembo's Ngula 1 target advances through 3,000m of up coming drilling, targeting shallow, high-grade zones ideal for early Nyati processing. Previous hits of 28.57 g/t over 3m from 54m and 17.23 g/t over 4m from 19m underscore the potential for rapid cash generation ahead of full Imwelo development. Recent Barrick presentations highlight intensive exploration across the region, including systematic drilling programs on ground formerly held by LVG—providing more validation of the district's broader geological potential. Strategic upside extends through LVG's exposure to up to US$45 million in milestone payments from the 2021 asset sale to Barrick's Bulyanhulu operation. Financial runway strengthens through recently announced private placements totaling up to C$7.5 million, earmarked for development, exploration, and working capital across both projects. With plant commissioning weeks away, drilling programs about to commence, and funding secured, LVG positions itself uniquely in Tanzania's gold landscape—a company transitioning from exploration potential to production reality within one of Africa's most prolific mining districts. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at: In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: GAU) (TSX: GAU) delivered a commanding Q2 2025 performance with production surging 46% quarter-over-quarter to 30,350 ounces while achieving record average realized gold prices of $3,317 per ounce. The Ghana-based operator of the Asanko Gold Mine generated $97.3 million in revenue and operating cash flow of $35.8 million, positioning the company to maintain its debt-free status with $114.7 million in cash. 'We are pleased with the progress made during the period with production, all-in sustaining costs, earnings per share, and cash balances all improving quarter-on-quarter,' said Matt Badylak, President and CEO of Galiano Gold. Breakthrough exploration results at the Abore deposit continue to validate expansion potential, with deep drilling confirming mineralization 200 metres below current reserves across a 1,200 metre strike length. The momentum from operational improvements, combined with the commissioning of the secondary crusher ahead of schedule in late July, positions the company for continued strength in the second half of the year. i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: IAUX) (TSX: IAU) marked a transformational quarter as the company advanced its Nevada-focused development strategy with record revenue of $27.8 million and significantly improved cash flow generation. Following a successful $185.5 million financing in May, the company is accelerating construction activities across five gold projects while targeting underground development at Archimedes and completing infill drilling programs to support upcoming feasibility studies. 'The second quarter marked a major turning point at i-80 Gold,' said Richard Young, President and CEO of i-80. 'The equity financing completed in May has enabled us to advance key development initiatives across the five gold projects included in our development plan, and advance the Lone Tree autoclave refurbishment study which will be a key component of our hub-and-spoke mining and processing strategy for our high-grade underground projects.' With $133.7 million in cash and a comprehensive three-phase development plan targeting over 600,000 ounces of annual gold production by the early 2030s, i-80 Gold continues positioning itself as a major Nevada gold producer through systematic advancement of its brownfield project portfolio. New Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: NGD) (TSX: NGD) achieved operational excellence in Q2 2025 with record quarterly free cash flow of $63 million driven by strong performance across both operating assets. The company produced 78,595 ounces of gold and 13.5 million pounds of copper while generating $163 million in operating cash flow, highlighted by Rainy River's record monthly production of 37,341 ounces in June. 'Across the Company, the second quarter successfully built on the momentum from the first quarter, positioning us to deliver on our annual guidance,' said Patrick Godin, President and CEO of New Gold. 'The quarter was highlighted by a record production month at Rainy River, resulting in record quarterly free cash flow for both Rainy River and the Company.' Strategic acquisitions and financing initiatives, including the purchase of Ontario Teachers' remaining 19.9% interest in New Afton and subsequent redemption of outstanding 2027 Notes, have strengthened the company's financial position while eliminating dilution to shareholders. New Gold's dual-asset portfolio continues demonstrating consistent cash generation capabilities as both operations advance toward increased production in the second half of 2025. Integra Resources Corp. (NYSE-American: ITRG) (TSXV: ITR) demonstrated consistent operational performance at its Florida Canyon Mine while executing a substantial capital investment program designed to ensure long-term profitability. The company generated record quarterly revenue of $61.1 million and record mine operating earnings of $25.2 million on production of 18,087 gold ounces sold at average realized prices of $3,332 per ounce. 'We are pleased to report consistent gold production from Florida Canyon and positive financial results from the Company for the second quarter of 2025,' commented George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra. 'Florida Canyon continues to deliver on our expectations, generating meaningful cash flow to fund significant re-investment into the mine, while also supporting the Company's broader growth strategy.' With $63.0 million in cash and a comprehensive reinvestment strategy targeting over $55 million in mine-site improvements during 2025, Integra continues advancing its broader growth strategy encompassing Florida Canyon optimization, DeLamar permitting, and Nevada North development activities. The company's resource growth-focused drilling program at Florida Canyon has been expanded to approximately 16,000 meters, targeting historical waste areas and lateral extensions to support future reserve growth and mine life extension. Article Source: CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUPinfo@ 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ('MIQ'). This article is being distributed for media corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). MIQ has not been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns Media Corp. ('BAY') There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. Logo – View original content:


Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Fermi America™ and ASP Isotopes Join Forces to Secure America's Advanced Reactor Fuel Supply
–Texas-based private grid campus to host one of the first U.S. HALEU enrichment facilities, strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on foreign sources AMARILLO, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fermi America, developer of the 11 GW private grid campus for next-generation hyperscale AI in collaboration with the Texas Tech University System, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASP Isotopes Inc. (NASDAQ: ASPI) and its subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy LLC (QLE) to explore the development of a High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) enrichment facility at Fermi America's site in Carson County, Texas. The planned facility would use advanced laser-based isotope separation technology to produce HALEU — a specialized nuclear fuel essential for many Generation IV and small modular reactor (SMR) designs. With very few commercial HALEU suppliers currently operating in the Western world, the project is intended to strengthen U.S. and allied supply chains, reduce reliance on Russian enrichment, and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Fermi America's private grid campus will be anchored by four AP1000® nuclear units using conventional fuel, with the potential to integrate advanced reactor technologies in future phases. The addition of domestic HALEU production capability would position the private grid as both a significant clean energy generator and a strategic nuclear fuel hub. 'Our nation's ability to lead in advanced nuclear energy is directly tied to our capacity to fuel it here at home,' said Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder and CEO, Fermi America. 'This decision helps ensure that America's next generation of nuclear reactors will be powered by American innovation, technology, and resolve.' 'This collaboration represents a decisive step toward securing the nuclear fuel needed for the next wave of advanced reactors,' said Mesut Uzman, Chief Nuclear Construction Officer, Fermi America. 'It reinforces our mission to build the most advanced, resilient, and secure private grid in the world.' 'Advanced reactors cannot be built without HALEU, and our Quantum Enrichment™ technology is designed to deliver it with speed, precision, and environmental responsibility,' said Paul Mann, Chairman and CEO, ASP Isotopes Inc. 'Partnering with Fermi America gives us the platform and location to play a central role in the emerging Western HALEU market.' 'Energy security is national security,' said Rick Perry, Co-Founder of Fermi America and former U.S. Secretary of Energy. 'This project will help America control its own destiny in nuclear power, create jobs here in Texas, and send a clear message that the United States intends to lead – not follow – in the race for advanced, carbon-free energy.' According to the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. HALEU demand could exceed 50 metric tons annually by 2035, with similar needs emerging in Europe and Asia. The proposed project would help meet this demand, supporting the clean energy transition while enhancing energy security. For media inquiries, please contact:Lexi Swearingen[email protected] About Fermi America Fermi America is pioneering the development of next-generation electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at gigawatt scale, essential for enabling next-generation artificial intelligence. Co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Fermi America's behind-the-meter HyperGrid campus will integrate the largest nuclear power complex in America, the nation's biggest combined-cycle natural gas project, utility grid power, solar power, and battery energy storage. About the Texas Tech University SystemEstablished in 1996, the Texas Tech University System is one of the top public university systems in the nation, consisting of five universities – Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and Midwestern State University. Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System is a more than $3 billion enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and outreach with approximately 21,000 employees and 64,000 students, more than 400,000 alums, a statewide economic impact of $19.2 billion and an endowment valued at $3 billion. In its short history, the TTU System has grown tremendously and is nationally acclaimed, operating at 20 academic locations in 16 cities (15 in Texas, 1 international). In addition, the TTU System is one of only nine in the nation to offer programs for undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education, among other academic areas. About ASP Isotopes Isotopes Inc. (NASDAQ: ASPI) is an advanced materials company dedicated to the production of enriched isotopes for use in multiple industries, including nuclear energy, medicine, semiconductors, and quantum computing. Through its subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy, ASPI is developing Quantum Enrichment™ technology to produce HALEU fuel and other critical isotopes at lower cost, faster, and with no radioactive waste. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as 'may,' 'will,' 'will be,' 'will likely result,' 'should,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'anticipates,' 'could,' 'would,' 'foresees,' 'intends,' 'target,' 'projects,' 'contemplates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'predicts,' 'potential,' 'outlook,' or 'continue' or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, but are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements may not turn out to be correct. Our results could be materially different from our expectations because of various risks.


Malaysian Reserve
4 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Class Action Announcement for Replimune Group, Inc. (REPL): Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Announces that a Securities Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Filed Against Replimune Group, Inc.
RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP ( informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Replimune Group, Inc. ('Replimune') (NASDAQ: REPL) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Replimune securities between November 22, 2024, and July 21, 2025, inclusive (the 'Class Period'). The lead plaintiff deadline is September 22, 2025. CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: If you suffered Replimune losses, you may CLICK HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser: You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at info@ DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT: The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material facts about the company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Replimune overstated the trial's prospects for the company's lead product candidate; and (2) as a result, Defendants' statements about the company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: Replimune investors may, no later than September 22, 2025, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Replimune investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPJonathan Naji, Esq.(484) 270-1453280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087info@ May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.