Market Performance - The S&P 500 recorded a 1.5% gain in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly increase and reaching a record high [1] - The Dow Jones rose by 3.2% in August, also achieving its fourth successive monthly gain [1] - The Nasdaq experienced a 1.6% increase, completing its fifth consecutive monthly rise, the longest winning streak in nearly a year and a half [2] - Small-cap stocks, represented by the Russell 2000, surged approximately 7% in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly gain and the strongest streak in over four years [2] Inflation and Consumer Sentiment - Core inflation in the U.S. was reported at 2.9% seasonally adjusted in July, higher than June and above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, raising concerns [3] - Consumer sentiment fell to a three-month low in August, driven by tariff-related concerns and inflation expectations [4] Federal Reserve Actions - Despite the inflation data, there is an 86.4% probability of a quarter-point rate cut in September, indicating market confidence in the Fed easing monetary policy to address a slowing labor market [5] Cryptocurrency Market - Ethereum prices surged about 26% over the past month, driven by strong institutional demand, staking yields, and Layer 2 scaling [6] Technology Sector - The technology sector faced volatility in late August, with fears of an AI bubble impacting market sentiment [7] - Major tech stocks like NVIDIA, Tesla, Meta, and Amazon experienced declines on August 29, 2025, with losses ranging from 1.1% to over 3.5% [8] Winning Leveraged ETFs - AdvisorShares MSOS Daily Leveraged ETF (MSOX) increased by 164.8% due to positive developments in the cannabis sector following hints from President Trump regarding marijuana reclassification [10][11] - GraniteShares 2x Long RDDT Daily ETF (RDTL) rose by 81.8% as Reddit Inc shares surged about 50% after exceeding Q2 earnings and revenue estimates [12] - Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) gained 71.8% as Super Micro Computer Inc shares fell over 26% due to internal control weaknesses [13] - MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN (GDXU) increased by 54.2% as VanEck Gold Miners ETF rose 20.4% amid safe-haven demand for gold [14] - Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) advanced by 48.7% as Applovin Corp shares increased over 26% after surpassing Q2 earnings and revenue estimates [15]
Best-Performing Leveraged ETFs of August