---
title: "Nasdaq 100 Surges 3.36% as VIX Plummets 17.28%"
canonical_url: https://www.stockexpertai.com/journal/2026-07-31/nasdaq-100-surges-336-as-vix-plummets-1728-4
last_updated: 2026-07-31T12:21:20.628Z
section: "Trending Shorts"
author: "Alex Sterling"
publisher: Stock Expert AI
tickers: LPL, ABBV, LPLA, NOV, ES
content_type: journal-article
---

# Nasdaq 100 Surges 3.36% as VIX Plummets 17.28%

## The Take
- Focus on companies with strong operational improvements or positive analyst revisions, while carefully assessing those facing earnings estimate adjustments.

_Tech leads broad market gains with S&P 500 up 1.66%, while specific corporate news drives individual stock movements._

Markets are signaling something important today. The Nasdaq 100 (NDX) showed robust performance, climbing 3.36% to 28,106.35 points, while the broader S&P 500 (SPX) also posted solid gains of 1.66%, reaching 7,437.63 points. This upward momentum was mirrored by a significant retreat in market apprehension, as the VIX, often dubbed the 'fear gauge', plunged 17.28% to 17.09 points. This suggests a notable shift in investor sentiment towards optimism, setting a positive tone for individual stock movements driven by corporate news.

Here's a look at today's trending news shorts:

* **LPL Financial Holdings Jumps 6.81% on Maintained 'Overweight' Rating**
 Barclays' continued 'Overweight' rating on LPL Financial Holdings, coupled with its significant 6.81% jump to $2.98, underscores strong institutional confidence in the company's business model and future growth trajectory, potentially signaling further upside for investors.

* **AbbVie Slides 2.16% Following New FY2026 EPS Guidance**
 AbbVie's shares fell 2.16% to $257.61 after the company issued new FY2026 Adjusted EPS guidance between $13.87 and $14.07, indicating that investors are carefully re-evaluating the pharmaceutical giant's near-term profitability outlook against previous expectations.

* **Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Raises LPL Financial Holdings (LPLA) Target to $390**
 The raised price target of $390 by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods for LPL Financial Holdings (LPLA), which saw a modest 0.41% gain to $339.17, highlights a professional analyst's belief in substantial future appreciation, potentially attracting new capital to the stock.

* **NOV Margins Improve, Shares Rise 1.29% After Earnings Report**
 NOV's shares advanced 1.29% to $19.30 following an earnings report that showcased significant improvements in operating margins, a crucial indicator for investors looking for enhanced operational efficiency and sustainable long-term profitability.

* **Eversource Energy (ES) Drops 1.23% as Q2 Adjusted EPS Misses Expectations**
 Eversource Energy (ES) saw its stock decline 1.23% to $73.84 after reporting second-quarter adjusted EPS that failed to meet market expectations, a development that typically prompts investors to scrutinize the company's financial health and future earnings potential more closely.

Keep these levels in mind as you navigate today's session.

*Alex Sterling*
*Chief Market Strategist*

## Related Tickers
- [LPL](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/lpl)
- [ABBV](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/abbv)
- [LPLA](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/lpla)
- [NOV](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/nov)
- [ES](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/es)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What caused the Nasdaq 100 to surge today?
The Nasdaq 100 surged today, driven by broad market gains led by the technology sector. This upward momentum was accompanied by a significant drop in the VIX, indicating a shift towards investor optimism and a reduction in market apprehension.

### How did the VIX perform today?
The VIX, often referred to as the 'fear gauge,' plummeted 17.28% today, closing at 17.09 points. This sharp decline suggests that market participants are feeling less anxious about potential downturns, contributing to the positive market sentiment.

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_AI-generated under human editorial supervision. Educational research, not financial advice._