S&P 500 Top Stock Gainers, 7/22/26
Complete. Here is the key summaryThe S&P 500 closed lower amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. Utilities led gains, driven by NRG Energy's dividend maintenance and AI-related power demand, with stocks like Constellation Energy and Vistra rising. Conversely, communication services suffered the largest drawdown; Trade Desk hit a 53% YTD loss, while Meta Platforms and EchoStar declined ahead of earnings reports.
The S&P 500 (SPX) closed in the red as investor attention shifted to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
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Let's break down the sectors behind the performance.
Today's Top-Performing Sector
Utilities was the top-performing sector on Wednesday. NRG Energy (NRG) led the sector higher after maintaining a quarterly dividend of 47.5 cents per share ahead of its earnings report on August 4. Furthermore, the sector as a whole benefited from a recovery in AI stocks, which helped lift sentiment toward power companies tied to the data center boom.
Several utilities stocks led the sector's gains, including:
- NRG Energy (NRG)
- Constellation Energy (CEG)
- Vistra Energy (VST)
- Edison International (EIX)
- Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PCG)
Today's Worst-Performing Sector
Meanwhile, the communication services sector faced the largest drawdown. Trade Desk (TTD), one of the worst performers in the S&P 500 (SPX) this year, continued to face pressure, bringing its year-to-date loss to 53%. In addition, Meta Platforms (META) closed lower ahead of its earnings report on July 29. EchoStar (ECHO) also finished in the red as shares of SpaceX (SPCX) continued to sell off.
Notable communication services stocks trading lower include:
- Trade Desk (TTD)
- Meta Platforms (META)
- EchoStar (ECHO)
- Fox Corp (FOX)
- Take-Two Interactive (TTWO)