S&P 500 Advances 2.6% in August Amid Market Volatility

Stock futures showed little change after a mixed session on August 24, 2026. The S&P 500 rose 2.6% for the month, while the Nasdaq Composite increased by 3.9%. Despite this, the major indices ended the month down as the Dow fell over 370 points, influenced by climbing oil prices and geopolitical tensions following U.S. military actions in Iran. Upcoming job reports are expected to show 53,000 jobs added in August, which will impact investor sentiment. Market volatility and mixed signals may affect investment strategies for ordinary investors.