Gamma — Week of Aug. 16, 2026

As of mid-August 2026, the S&P 500 has reached a record high, closing at 7,799, driven by signs of cooling inflation and strong performance in the tech sector. It has gained approximately 14% year-to-date. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite is slightly down at 26,445, reflecting a mixed sentiment in the tech-heavy index. Inflation remains a concern, with a recent report indicating a decrease to 3.4% in July. The Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates between 3.50% and 3.75%, reflecting cautious optimism as they monitor inflation trends.