04:31 PM EDT, 07/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq extended rallies to records on Monday before earnings reports from companies including Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) and Tesla (TSLA) this week.

The S&P rose 0.1% to 6,305.6, the Nasdaq climbed 0.4% to 20,097.17, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was little changed at 44,323.07, erasing earlier gains. Among sectors, communications led the gainers, and energy paced the decliners.

US Treasury yields fell with the 10-year rate dropping 4.8 basis points to 4.38% and the two-year rate dropping 2.1 basis points to 3.86%.

September West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell 0.5% to $65.74 a barrel on Monday.

In economic news, The Conference Board's measure of leading indicators fell by 0.3% in June, as expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

"The Conference Board does not forecast a recession, although economic growth is expected to slow substantially in 2025 compared to 2024," said Justyna Zabinska-LaMonica, senior manager, Business Cycle Indicators, at the board. "Real GDP is projected to grow by 1.6% this year, with the impact of tariffs becoming more apparent in H2 as consumer spending slows due to higher prices."

In company news, Verizon Communications ( VZ ) shares rose 4.1%, the top gainer on the S&P. The company raised the lower end of its full-year earnings growth outlook after logging better-than-expected Q2 results.

AES ( AES ) shares rose 2.4%, after Susquehanna raised its price target on the stock to $16 from $15 and maintained a positive rating.

Block (XYZ) shares jumped 7.2%. The company will join the S&P 500 index, effective Wednesday, replacing Hess (HES).

Molina Healthcare ( MOH ) shares fell 3.7%. TD Cowen reduced its price target on the stock to $283 from $369 and maintained its buy rating.

Gold increased 1.5% to $3,408.60 per troy ounce, and silver gained 2.2% to $39.32 per troy ounce.