Stock ended slightly better Tuesday with a boost from megacaps after a day of range-trading. The Dow Jones industrial average firmed 0.2 percent, the S&P 500 gained 0.3 percent and the Nasdaq gained 0.6 percent. Bond yields fell while the dollar and oil prices rose.

Equities and risk assets in general got a boost after China unveiled an aggressive batch of stimulus measures. News at midmorning in New York that consumer confidence dropped unexpectedly sent bond yields lower and renewed concerns that the U.S. economy may be weakening rapidly, but the equity market reaction was limited.

Nvidia was the day's featured winner on a Barron's report the firm's founder had completed his pre-planned stock sales, which supposedly removed a significant overhang for the stock. Among sectors, best were information technology, consumer discretionary, materials, industrials and communications services. Lagging were energy, financials, utilities, health care and consumer staples.

Market Reflections track market reaction to the trading day's major events. Economic data, policymaker speeches, and company news are featured in this report as well as key indexes and financial instruments.

Understanding why markets respond as they do is fundamental for an investor. Market Reflections help explain how the day's events, news, and data impact the outlook for the economy and for market prices.