S&P 500 Broadens Rally Amid Economic Optimism

The S&P 500's recent rally includes a broader range of stocks, reducing reliance on large tech firms. This shift accompanies optimism about Federal Reserve rate cuts boosting economic growth. Key sectors like industrials and financials are outperforming, while tech influence wanes. Upcoming data will test the rally's sustainability.

More stocks are contributing to the S&P 500's recent gains, easing concerns that the rally was overly dependent on a handful of giant tech companies. The index is expected to rise by 5% in the third quarter, fueled by optimism over Federal Reserve rate cuts boosting U.S. economic growth.

This optimism is drawing investors to regional banks, industrial firms, and other sectors which benefit from lower rates, alongside tech stocks that have already posted substantial gains this year. Over 60% of S&P 500 constituents have outperformed the index this quarter, up from about 25% earlier this year.

The equal-weight version of the S&P 500, representing the average stock, has surged 9% this quarter, outpacing the main index which is heavily influenced by tech giants like Nvidia and Apple. Investors welcome this broader rally as it indicates market robustness beyond a few key players.

(With inputs from agencies.)