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Week of June 1st Recap
Stocks slumped last week as investors winced over the potential for oil-shock inflation and concerns that strong jobs data could lead to higher interest rates.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 2.59 percent. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 4.68 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 1.41 percent.1,2
Under Pressure
June kicked off with modest gains as a tech rally overcame rising oil prices. On Monday, all 3 averages logged new all-time intraday highs and record closes. The S&P 500 recorded its first close above 7,600 on Tuesday, while the Dow advanced nearly a half percentage point.3
But stocks fell midweek as oil prices rose further. The S&P 500 broke its nine-day winning streak as investors fretted about the inflationary effects of the Middle East. By Wednesday’s close, the S&P and Dow Industrials had given back all the gains from the start of the week.4,5
On Friday, a stronger-than-expected jobs report prompted worries that the Fed may have to adjust short-term interest rates. Markets fell broadly, with the S&P down over 2½ percent for the session and the Nasdaq down over 4 percent.6
May Jobs
The federal government’s nonfarm payrolls report was out on Friday. The economy added 172,000 jobs in May, more than double what economists expected.7
Employers were playing catch-up after pausing hiring amid last year’s trade policy uncertainties and federal government budget cuts. Unemployment remained at 4.3 percent for the month. ADP’s report on private-sector hiring, released Wednesday, tracked similarly to the federal data.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. U.S. Trade Balance. Existing Home Sales. Wholesale Inventories.
Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Budget.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Producer Price Index (PPI).
Friday: Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investor’s Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: June 5, 2026.
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of May 25th Recap
The post-Memorial Day holiday trading week was short but potent as stocks delivered more record gains while confidence grew that a peace deal would materialize.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 2.39 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.90 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.99 percent.1,2
Ninth Straight for S&P
Stocks got off to a good start as the chipmaker-led rally continued to support the broader market, while the White House reported diplomatic progress on a Middle East peace deal.3
Leadership shifted a bit midweek, with the Dow rising modestly to a new record close as oil prices fell.4
The S&P and Nasdaq opened higher Thursday on upbeat economic news. Both posted solid gains, while the Dow Industrials went sideways.5
Stocks wrapped up the week and the month on positive notes. Sliding oil prices and technology gains helped push all three averages to record intraday and closing highs, including the Dow cracking the 51,000 mark for the first time.6
Economic Updates
It was a mixed bag of economic news last week, with four key April data points released on Thursday.
The Fed’s preferred inflation measure came in cooler than expected. The personal-consumption expenditure (PCE) index rose 0.4 percent in April, less than the 0.5 percent expected. Annual PCE rose 3.8 percent.7
The Gross Domestic Product report showed the economy grew more slowly in Q1 than initially estimated, with the estimate revised down to 1.6 percent annualized growth.7
In a good sign for manufacturing, durable goods orders rose 7.9 percent in April, double the expected pace and the biggest increase in almost a year. The main reason? Civilian aircraft orders soared 166 percent after China ordered 200 planes following a recent U.S.-China presidential summit.8
Homebuyers bought 6.2 percent fewer new homes in April over the prior month. But investors focused on the fact that homebuyers bought 8.9 percent and 7.4 percent more new homes in February and March, respectively, over the prior month.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: ISM Manufacturing. Construction Spending. Auto Sales. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari speaks in South Korea.
Tuesday: Job Openings. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack speaks.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report (private sector hiring). Factory Orders. ISM Services. Fed Beige Book. Fed governor Michael Barr speaks.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Productivity. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin speaks.
Friday: Federal Employment Report. Consumer Credit.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 29, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of May 18th Recap
Stocks bounced back last week as enthusiasm for the AI trade continued and rumors of a Middle East peace agreement bolstered investor optimism.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.88 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged ahead 0.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 2.13 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 2.16 percent.1,2
S&P 500’s 8th Winning Week
Stocks sputtered out of the gate as a capacity issue amid soaring demand in the memory chip space put pressure on those stocks, along with the AI trade and tech more broadly.3
Then markets took a leg up midweek as investor optimism returned for a Middle East peace deal; oil prices and Treasury yields fell. Investors also looked ahead to a quarterly earnings report from one of the megacap AI chipmakers. The Dow hit a fresh record close.4,5
Then, on Friday, markets rallied once again as investors continued to hold out hope that a Middle East peace deal would materialize.
Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the new Fed chair, while investor enthusiasm over the AI trade and other tech stocks added to the market’s ebullient sentiment. The Dow closed at another record high, while the S&P 500 finished its eighth consecutive week in the green, its longest weekly winning streak since 2023.6
Fed Meeting Minutes
The Federal Reserve released minutes from its April Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Jerome Powell’s last FOMC meeting as Fed Chair.
The minutes revealed that if the Fed were to adjust rates sometime during the remainder of this year, it might be a rate hike rather than a rate cut.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. New Home Sales. Durable Goods.
Friday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index. Trade Balance in Goods. Retail & Wholesale Inventories.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: May 22, 2026.
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of May 11th Recap
Stocks were mixed last week as investors fretted over hot inflation reports, which offset the move in chipmaker stocks.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.08 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 1.77 percent.1,2
Volatile Week
Stocks ticked up to start the week, helping the S&P 500 close above 7400 for the first time. The Nasdaq also closed at a new high as chipmaker stocks continued to lead the tech sector.3
Markets opened lower on Tuesday after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report came in hotter than expected. Stocks pared the losses by the close, with the Dow Industrials managing to notch a slight gain.4
The rally continued, with the S&P and Nasdaq hitting new intraday and closing records over the next two trading days. On Thursday, a strong Q1 report from a megacap tech company helped pace gains while investors kept one eye on the ongoing U.S.-China meetings. The S&P 500 closed over 7,500 for the first time, while the Dow reclaimed the 50,000 level.5,6
Stocks were under pressure from the opening bell on Friday. Treasury yields rose as the three-day summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders came to a close. Investors seemed disappointed that there were no major agreements in the Middle East conflict.7
Inflation in Focus
Both retail and wholesale inflation rose faster than expected in April, heavily influenced by higher energy prices.
The CPI increased 3.8 percent year over year in April, up from 3.3 percent in March. Fuel oil alone climbed 54 percent year over year, while gasoline jumped 28 percent. In fact, over 40 percent of the 0.6 percent month-over-month gain was driven by energy inflation.8
Inflation also showed up in wholesale prices. The Producer Price Index rose 6 percent over the prior 12 months in April, also a 3-year high. Month over month, PPI rose 1.4 percent (a 4-year high) versus the 0.5 percent increase expected.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Pending Home Sales. Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson speaks.
Wednesday: Minutes from Fed’s May FOMC Meeting.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Housing Starts. Building Permits. Purchasing Managers Index—Services. Purchasing Managers Index—Manufacturing.
Friday: Consumer Sentiment. Leading Economic Indicators.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 15, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of May 4th Recap
Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.22 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 1.24 percent.1,2
Sixth Straight Week of Gains
Stocks stumbled at the start of the week as stalled peace talks and escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on sentiment.3
The gloom didn’t last long. Markets opened higher Tuesday morning as investors reacted positively to solid Q1 corporate earnings results and falling oil prices. The rally extended through Wednesday after better-than-expected earnings results from a couple of chipmakers lifted the entire sector and led the broader averages higher. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record intraday and closing highs both days, while the S&P closed above 7,300 for the first time.4
Stocks took a breather on Thursday as investors assessed the latest developments in the Middle East. Markets then opened higher on Friday on news of better-than-expected job growth in April, fueling a relief rally from investors who were pleasantly surprised that the Middle East had not impacted hiring. A major chipmaker deal announcement extended the week’s chip-stock rally, further lifting the S&P and Nasdaq to new highs and a sixth consecutive week of gains.5,6
Jobs Report Surprise
Employers added 115,000 jobs in April, versus the 55,000 economists expected. Jobs grew the most in the healthcare, retail, and leisure & hospitality sectors. Another good sign: unemployment held steady at 4.3 percent last month.7
In other economic news, the new home sales data released last week showed sales for both February and March exceeded expectations. In March, 682,000 newly constructed homes were sold, up 7.4 percent over the prior month, while February new home sales jumped 8.9 percent over February.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Existing Home Sales.
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Price Index (CPI). Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Monthly Federal Budget.
Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Boston Fed President Susan Collins speaks.
Thursday: Retail Sales. Weekly Jobless Claims. Import Price Index. Business Inventories. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack and Fed Governor Michael Barr speak.
Friday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Home Builder Confidence Index.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: May 8, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of April 27th Recap
Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.55 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.58 percent.1,2
April: Best Month in Five Years for S&P, Nasdaq
Markets were under pressure early in the week as investors focused on stalled peace talks and rising oil prices.3
But midweek, momentum shifted. First, the Fed announced it was holding interest rates steady, as expected, but there was some dissent over the decision. Then investors’ attention focused on Wednesday’s closing bell, when several big-name companies reported Q1 results.4
Investors mostly liked what they heard, and stock prices rose, ending April on a high note. The Dow led the broad market rally while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each logged their best monthly performances in 5 years.5
Stocks rose again on Friday as oil prices fell. Investors applauded Q1 results from another high-profile megacap tech company, which helped the S&P notch another all-time intraday high.6
Fed News
The Federal Reserve voted 8-4 to keep interest rates steady at the April meeting, leaving the Federal Funds Rate at a 3.5 to 3.75 percent target range. Market observers were quick to point out that the 8-4 decision was the Federal Open Market Committee’s most divided vote since 1992.7
At the last FOMC press conference of his eight-year tenure, Fed Chair Powell announced he would stay on as a Fed governor after his term as Chair expires on May 15. Earlier that day, the Senate Banking Committee confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair, setting up a final confirmation vote in the Senate.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: New York Fed President John Williams speaks.
Tuesday: Trade Balance. Job Openings. New Home Sales (Feb* + March). ISM Services. Federal Reserve speeches: Michelle Bowman, Michael Barr.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Productivity. Construction Spending (Feb* + March). Consumer Credit. Federal Reserve speeches: Neel Kashkari, John Williams.
Friday: Fed governor Lisa Cook speaks. U.S. Employment Report. Wholesale Inventories. Consumer Sentiment. Fed panel: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, Fed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller.
* indicates federal data release delayed by government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 1, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of April 20th Recap
Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.44 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 2.75 percent.1,2
Mixed Markets As Investors Look Ahead
Stocks began the week lower after tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend. They remained under pressure through Tuesday’s close as Wednesday’s expiration of the ceasefire loomed.3
Markets opened higher on Wednesday as investors cheered a ceasefire extension, while solid Q1 corporate earnings results boosted market momentum. Oil prices rose above $100/barrel, and all three major stock averages closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq logging new all-time highs.4
The S&P and Nasdaq recovered from a slump in software stocks, while higher oil prices put stocks under pressure, logging fresh intraday highs along the way. Investors appeared increasingly desensitized to the Middle East conflict.5,6
Consumer Paradox
Fresh news on Friday showed consumer sentiment slipped to an all-time low in April. Consumers may be thinking about inflation, the job market, and geopolitical tensions.7
However, the paradox is that consumers keep spending. Last Tuesday’s retail sales report showed consumer spending rose 1.7 percent in March, the highest monthly rise in more than 3 years.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.
Wednesday: Durable Goods. Housing Starts (Feb+Mar)*. Building Permits (Feb+Mar)*. U.S. Trade Balance in Goods. Retail & Wholesale Inventories. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference.
Thursday: GDP (Q1). Weekly Jobless Claims. Employment Cost Index. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index. Leading Economic Indicators.
*indicates federal data release delayed by government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 24, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of April 13th Recap
Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 6.84 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.19 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 2.15 percent.1,2
Shift to “Risk-On” from “Risk-Off”
Stocks continued to ride the hopeful sentiment of a ceasefire at the start of last week, with all three averages advancing. The S&P 500 has recouped all its losses since the start of the war.3
Momentum accelerated through midweek as investors shifted from “risk-off” to “risk-on.” The White House signaled that the war was “very close to over” amid reports that further talks were under discussion.
At Wednesday’s close, the S&P advanced for the 10th time out of the last 11 trading sessions, while the Nasdaq marked its 11th straight close in the green.4
Stocks pushed higher again on Thursday, with the Nasdaq recording its longest winning streak since 2009. The week wrapped on a high note after Iran’s foreign minister announced the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” as negotiations continue. Oil prices dropped by roughly 10 percent on Friday, sparking another solid day on Wall Street.5,6
Record-Setting Week
Last week was one for record-breaking. By midweek, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit all-time highs. The S&P broke 7,000 for the first time, while the Nasdaq topped 24,000 for the first time.
The shift from “risk-off” to “risk-on” pushed the S&P over the 7,100 threshold for the first time on Friday. And the Nasdaq ended the week on a 13-day win streak, the longest positive streak since 1992. The Dow Industrials closed at 49,447.43, just below its all-time high set in early February 2026.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Retail Sales. Business Inventories. Leading Economic Indicators. Pending Home Sales.
Wednesday: EIA Petroleum Report. Atlanta Fed Business Inflation Expectations.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Services. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Manufacturing. Fed Balance Sheet. EIA Natural Gas Report.
Friday: Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 17, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Week of April 6th Recap
Hope won out over fear last week as investors set their sights on a Middle East ceasefire holding and optimistic prospects for the Strait of Hormuz reopening.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.56 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 4.68 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.04 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 4.52 percent.1,2
Ceasefire Optimism
Stocks opened the week to modest gains, with the S&P 500 rising for the fourth consecutive trading day. Investors warily eyed the U.S.-imposed April 7 deadline for Iran to allow the free flow of oil and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz or risk further attacks on its energy infrastructure.3
Stocks opened lower Tuesday but recovered late in the session on news that Pakistan asked the U.S. to push its deadline out by two weeks.4
Markets then pushed higher on Wednesday following White House comments that the U.S. was suspending attacks for two weeks while it considered a ceasefire proposal. All three major averages gained more than 2.5 percent on Wednesday alone as tech stocks led the rally.5
The relief rally continued through Thursday as the Dow Industrials turned positive for the year.
On Friday, the markets shrugged off news that headline inflation rose to a two-year high in March. Stocks also looked past a disappointing consumer sentiment reading.6,7
Mixed Inflation Report
The overall Consumer Price Index rose in March, but a closer look revealed the reason investors were nonplussed by the results.
“Headline” inflation, economist-speak for the overall inflation rate, rose 3.8 percent year over year last month. That was up from 2.4 percent in February and its highest level since April 2024. But underlying inflation stayed cool. That’s because much of the rise in overall inflation was attributed to a 21 percent spike in gas prices, an outcome many investors expected.
So “core” inflation, which excludes energy and food prices, came in at 2.7 percent year over year, slightly below expectations.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Existing Home Sales. Fed governor Stephen Miran speaks.
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Producer Price Index (PPI). Fed governor Michael Barr speaks. Fed Presidents Susan Collins (Boston), Tom Barkin (Richmond), and Anna Paulson (Philadelphia) speak together on a panel about the rural economy.
Wednesday: Import Prices. Home Builder Confidence. Fed Official speeches: Michael Barr and Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman speak. Fed Beige Book.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Fed Official speeches: New York Fed President John Williams and Stephen Miran.
Friday: Housing Starts. Building Permits. Fed Official speeches: Tom Barkin and Christopher Waller.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: April 10, 2026.
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
