S&P 500 Top Stock Gainers Today, 8/12/26

The S&P 500 (SPX) closed higher on Wednesday following a Consumer Price Index (CPI) update from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Let's break down the sectors behind the performance.

Today's Top-Performing Sector

Real estate was the top-performing sector as easing rate expectations supported valuations and lowered financing concerns. These expectations drifted lower after July's CPI report came in as expected with growth decelerating from June. At the same time, strong demand for AI-driven data centers boosted names like Digital Realty (DLR) and Equinix (EQIX).

Several real estate stocks led the sector's gains, including:

• Digital Realty Trust (DLR)
• Equinix (EQIX)
• Host Marriott Financial Trust (HST)
• Ventas (VTR)
• Welltower (WELL)

Today's Worst-Performing Sector

Meanwhile, the consumer discretionary sector faced the largest drawdown. Tapestry (TPR) led the group lower ahead of its earnings report on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Lululemon (LULU) sold off following news that Chief Strategy Officer Rachel Acheson, a 14-year veteran, resigned. The departure comes ahead of Heidi O'Neill coming on as the athleisure company's new CEO on September 8.

Notable consumer discretionary stocks trading lower include:

• Tapestry (TPR)
• Lululemon (LULU)
• eBay (EBAY)
• D.R. Horton (DHI)
• Home Depot (HD)