S&P 500 Top Stock Gainers Today, 7/21/26
Complete. Here is the key summaryThe S&P 500 closed higher on July 21, 2026, driven by a surge in AI-related stocks. Information technology led gains as concerns over Chinese AI models faded, boosting semiconductor and memory stocks like Micron and Western Digital. Conversely, consumer staples suffered the largest drawdown due to investor rotation into growth sectors and rising Treasury yields, which reduced the appeal of defensive dividend stocks.
The S&P 500 (SPX) closed in the green on Tuesday as AI-related stocks soared higher.
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Let's break down the sectors behind the performance.
Today's Top-Performing Sector
Information technology was the top-performing sector, driven by outsized gains in memory and semiconductor stocks. The two sub-sectors sold off last week after new Chinese AI models raised concerns that cheaper alternatives could challenge leading U.S. models. However, those concerns have largely faded as investors refocus on strong AI demand ahead of key earnings reports from industry leaders.
Several information technology stocks led the sector's gains, including:
- Teradyne (TER)
- Western Digital (WDC)
- SanDisk (SNDK)
- Micron (MU)
- Seagate Technology (STX)
Today's Worst-Performing Sector
Meanwhile, the consumer staples sector faced the largest drawdown. The sector faced pressure as investors rotated away from defensive stocks and into higher growth areas of the market. In addition, higher Treasury yields weighed on consumer staples names, which are often valued for their stable dividends and predictable cash flows. Rising yields can make these defensive stocks less attractive relative to bonds.
Notable stocks trading lower include:
- Church & Dwight Company (CHD)
- Constellation Brands (STZ)
- Molson Coors Brewing (TAP)
- Altria Group (MO)
- Tyson Foods (TSN)