What Happened Today, Wednesday November 11, 2026, 5:00 PM ET close
Stocks Rally Hard on Wednesday, Led by a 2.19% Jump in the Nasdaq 100
Tech-heavy indexes led the way higher even as Middle East shipping tensions and stalled peace talks stayed in the headlines.
ES and NQ at the close
NQ, Nasdaq 100 futures
28,444.25
+2.19% on the day
Day range 27,847.75 to 28,697.00
ES, S&P 500 futures
7,642.25
+1.30% on the day
Day range 7,547.50 to 7,671.50
How did our Futures Trading Algo Do Today?
Discipline
Sitting flat on a big up day is still a disciplined decision when no setup qualifies.
Our automated paper book stayed flat today and took no trades on either the Nasdaq 100 or S&P 500 futures. No setups met our entry rules, so no strategy fired, and the net result was $0 with no wins and no losses. Staying out when nothing qualifies is part of the plan, even on a strong day.
Follow every signal
Telegram, Discord, X
SPY and QQQ
The story
US stocks had a strong Wednesday. The Nasdaq 100 gained 2.19% to close near 28,444, while the S&P 500 rose 1.3% to finish around 7,642. Tech led the charge, with the Nasdaq trading in a wide range between roughly 27,848 and 28,697. The rally came even as headlines about Iran, shipping routes and Russia-Ukraine talks kept investors alert to geopolitical risk.
The MAG7 and the megacaps
We do not have individual stock data for the big technology names today, so we will not call out specific moves. What the numbers do show is that the Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted toward the largest tech companies, outpaced the broader S&P 500 by nearly a full percentage point. That gap suggests large technology stocks did much of the heavy lifting in Wednesday's rally.
After the bell
Iran and shipping risks
Reports of attacks on navigation systems at Oman's Didamar island and Iran's stance on its nuclear material kept Middle East risk in focus. Gulf markets rose anyway as investors assessed the situation.
Russia-Ukraine talks
Both sides said some progress was made, but the US cited a lack of trust. Markets are watching for any sign the talks can turn into something lasting.
OPEC+ output
Reuters reported that OPEC+ oil output in October neared its rate from before the Iran war, led by Saudi Arabia. More supply can ease worries about energy costs.
Healthcare enforcement news
Federal authorities arrested a top official of a healthcare company, alleging illegal drug importation, according to CNBC. It was a notable corporate headline, though the data here does not show a broad market impact.
Crypto
Bitcoin finished at about $74,214, up 0.67% on the day. It traded between roughly $73,264 and $74,636, a fairly narrow range compared with the sharp move in stocks. Crypto rose along with equities but with much less intensity.
Into the night
Overseas and overnight news centered on the Middle East. Reuters reported that Iran said it will not allow enriched nuclear material to leave the country, and that Iran attacked shipping navigation systems on Oman's Didamar island, according to sources. Gulf markets still rose as investors weighed the Iran war and shipping risks. Separately, Russia and Ukraine said some progress was made at talks, while the US pointed to a lack of trust.
What is coming next
Nasdaq 100 high
28,697
Today's peak and the level bulls will want to reclaim.
Nasdaq 100 low
27,847.75
Today's low, a key area if the rally fades.
S&P 500 high
7,671.5
The top of today's range.
S&P 500 low
7,547.5
The bottom of today's range and a level to watch on any pullback.
After a big one-day gain, markets often pause or give back part of the move, though that is not guaranteed. Watch whether the indexes hold above today's lows, and keep an eye on Iran and Russia-Ukraine headlines, which could change the mood quickly. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Want this live, for free?
We send market moving news the moment it hits, straight to Telegram, Discord and X. Then this recap pulls the day together every evening: ES and NQ, the MAG7, crypto, and what is next.
Educational market recap, not financial advice. Futures and options trading carry substantial risk of loss. Prices reflect the 2026-11-11 session close; charts are live and interactive. Always verify before acting.