Stock Market Today, Feb. 25: Nasdaq Gains 1.3% As Nvidia Reignites AI Optimism

• Nvidia rallied 1.4% during trading and extended gains after hours following its earnings beat, lifting other AI-related stocks including Dell Technologies (+3.2%) and Micron (+2.5%)
• Salesforce fell over 5% after market close despite beating earnings, pressured by concerns about AI replacement threats to its business
• NovoCure surged 27.7% on regulatory progress while MannKind plummeted 36.8% after partner United Therapeutics unveiled a competing inhaler product

Market Summary: February 25, 2026

Key Market Performance

U.S. equity markets posted solid gains on February 25, 2026, driven by renewed AI sector optimism centered around Nvidia's earnings report. The Nasdaq Composite led with a 1.3% gain to 23,152.08 (+288.40 points), while the S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 6,946.13 (+56.06 points), and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.6% to 49,482.15 (+307.65 points).

Major Movers

Technology Sector: Nvidia rallied 1.4% ahead of its after-hours earnings release, subsequently posting further gains after beating analyst expectations on earnings per share. Other AI-related stocks followed suit, with Microsoft up 3.0% to $400.65, Meta gaining 2.1% to $652.97, Dell Technologies rising 3.2%, and Micron advancing 2.5%.

Salesforce climbed 3.6% during regular hours but dropped over 5% after-hours despite an earnings beat, pressured by AI replacement concerns.

Other Notable Moves

• CRCL surged 35.2% (+$21.58)
• NovoCure soared 27.7% to $14.99 on regulatory progress
• MannKind plummeted 36.8% to $3.50 after partner United Therapeutics unveiled a competing inhaler
• MercadoLibre declined 8.1%
• First Solar fell 13.4%

Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin jumped 6.7% to $68,616 (+$4,327.97)

Market Implications

Nvidia's earnings were viewed as a critical test for AI chip demand sustainability. The positive results stabilized markets following recent volatility and Tuesday's State of the Union address. Investors remain focused on upcoming tech earnings for insights into AI market development and competitive dynamics within the sector.