The S&P 500 edges up 0.25% in a session driven by tech and financials

Western Digital and Tech Stocks Lead the Gains

Western Digital Corporation led the trading sessions with a surge of 9.64% to $313.81, marking the largest gain on the index. The storage solutions manufacturer pulled other electronic technology players along with it: Seagate Technology rose 5.59% to $421.09, while Micron Technology advanced 4.50% to $461.69. Asset managers also stood out: Apollo Global Management climbed 5.26% to $108.89, Ares Management gained 5.13% to $105.67, and Blackstone increased by 4.56% to $112. This momentum also benefited Delta Air Lines, which rose 6.56% to $64.83, and Global Payments, which advanced 6.42% to $72.42.

The Trade Desk and Eli Lilly Weigh on the Session

At the other end of the spectrum, The Trade Desk experienced the largest decline in the S&P 500, dropping 7.42% to $25.07. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly fell 5.94% to $930.35, in a movement that affected several stocks in the healthcare sector. Intel declined 3.72% to $44.06, while Corpay slipped 3.96% to $297.94. Distributor Cencora lost 3.23% to $334.71, and hospital operator HCA Healthcare dropped 2.92% to $509.87. In the retail sector, Dollar General decreased 2.91% to $130.93.

A measured rise to close the session

The S&P 500 concluded the March 17 session with a gain of 0.25%, closing at 6,716.09 points. This moderate rise was marked by a two-sided session: driven by a sectoral rebound particularly in technology and finance, but hindered by significant declines in healthcare and certain services. The market operated within ordinary volumes, lacking any major catalyst to decisively steer trading in one direction.