2026.09.2213:35:46UTC+00US Stocks Inch Higher

US stock indices were little changed on Tuesday, consolidating Monday’s gains amid support from lower energy prices and optimism over revenue prospects from AI agents. The S&P 500 and Dow edged higher, remaining less than 0.5% below the record highs set last month, and the Dow posted modest advances. Broader equities firmed as oil and fuel prices declined for a fifth consecutive session, following indications that Iran, GCC states, and the US may pursue diplomatic efforts to restore some oil trade in the Persian Gulf, easing the recent surge in bond yields. AI hyperscalers, which have tapped bond markets with record levels of corporate issuance despite elevated borrowing costs, traded higher, with Microsoft, Oracle, and Alphabet each adding around 1%. Banks and industrials also advanced. Meanwhile, chipmakers retained most of Monday’s strong gains, supported by positive market reaction to Meta’s Muse AI agent, while AMD, Micron, and Intel finished roughly unchanged.