Group 1: Market Performance - The S&P 500 index rose by 0.41% to close at 6465.94 points, nearing its record high from August 14 [1] - The Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.44% to 21544.27 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.30% to 45418.07 points [1] - Seven out of eleven sectors in the S&P 500 saw gains, with the industrial sector leading at 1.03% and the financial sector following at 0.76% [1] Group 2: Company Highlights - Nvidia's stock rose by 1.1% ahead of its quarterly earnings report, with investors focused on its ability to sustain the momentum of AI-related stocks [1] - AMD shares increased by 2% after Truist Securities upgraded its rating from "hold" to "buy" [1] - Eli Lilly's stock surged by nearly 6% after announcing that its experimental drug led to an average weight loss of 10.5% in diabetes patients [2] Group 3: Economic and Policy Context - Concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve arose after President Trump announced the dismissal of Fed Governor Lisa Cook, citing "improper conduct" in mortgage applications [2] - Bill Merz from U.S. Bank Wealth Management noted that while there are long-term concerns regarding Fed independence, short-term indications suggest a more accommodative monetary policy [2] - Morgan Stanley has predicted a rate cut in September, supported by recent weak labor market data and dovish signals from Powell, despite ongoing inflation pressures [2] Group 4: Commodity Market - International oil prices fell, with WTI crude down 2.39% to $63.25 per barrel and Brent crude down 2.23% to $66.70 per barrel [3] - Gold prices saw a slight increase, with COMEX gold rising by 0.45% to $3433 per ounce [4]