U.S. stocks closed higher on the final day of August, capping a month of gains driven by resilient economic indicators. Consumer spending remained robust throughout the month, defying concerns about a potential slowdown. Furthermore, recent inflation data provided some reassurance to investors, suggesting that the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening policies may be having the desired effect.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq Composite all finished in positive territory. Market analysts noted that the positive momentum could carry into September, although they cautioned that upcoming economic releases and central bank announcements would likely play a significant role in shaping market sentiment.

Several sectors performed particularly well, including consumer discretionary and technology. Energy stocks also saw gains as oil prices stabilized. Conversely, healthcare and utilities lagged behind the broader market.

Looking ahead, investors will be closely monitoring employment figures and inflation reports for further clues about the health of the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting will also be a key event, as market participants seek insights into the central bank’s future interest rate decisions.