Each week we will offer a very brief market update to help keep you informed on the latest. Want the latest delivered right to your email? Click HERE to provide your email address.
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.
Week of March 30th Recap
Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 4.44 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 2.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 2.59 percent over the four trading days through last Thursday.1
Stocks Rebound
Stocks were under pressure to start the week. Investors looked past comments from Fed Chair Powell that inflation expectations “appear to be well anchored beyond the short term” despite concerns over the Middle East conflict’s potential inflationary effects.2,3
However, sentiment shifted on Tuesday with stocks closing out Q1 on a high note, reflecting renewed investor hope for an end to the conflict. The S&P 500 posted its best day since May of last year.4
Momentum continued into Wednesday, with comments from the White House that gave investors more confidence that a resolution was coming. A stronger-than-expected retail sales report also buoyed enthusiasm.
Stocks dipped but then rallied on Thursday, ending the session with a slight gain and helping stock prices break a 5-week losing streak.5,6
Jobs Update
U.S. stock markets were closed on Friday, but investors were on the lookout for the March jobs report.
Employers added 178,000 jobs in March, an unexpected increase that marked the best month in over a year. Economists expected a gain of 59,000 jobs. Unemployment fell to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent in February.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Durable Goods (Feb). Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Consumer Credit (Feb).
Wednesday: FOMC March meeting minutes released.
Thursday: Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index (Feb). Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), second revision. Weekly Jobless Claims. Wholesale Inventories (Feb).
Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Factory Orders (Feb). Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 3, 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 March 23rd Recap
Stocks ended a challenging week lower as investors’ attention shifted from updates on ceasefire talks to concerns about the economic impact of a protracted conflict.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 2.12 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 3.23 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.90 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, ended the week flat (-0.05 percent).1,2
Challenging Week
Stocks opened higher to start the week as fresh optimism for a resolution to the Middle East conflict permeated market sentiment, and no further news on Iraq’s force majeure declaration appeared to help momentum. Both the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 booked their best day since early February as the White House reported “very good and productive conversations” to end hostilities.3
Markets were under pressure on Tuesday but staged a recovery rally midweek amid reports that Pakistan was mediating ceasefire talks. All three major averages posted solid gains, though it appeared that retail investors remained on the sidelines.4
The upbeat sentiment was short-lived. Markets were under steady pressure Thursday despite news after the close of trading that the White House was extending the previous pause on military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days. The selling picked up on Friday. The Nasdaq and Dow Industrials fell into correction territory, while the S&P suffered its longest weekly losing streak in almost four years.5
Sector Spotlight
Some investors have turned to energy stocks during the volatility. At the close of trading, 19 energy stocks in the S&P 500 traded at their 52-week highs.6
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: New York Fed President John Williams speaks.
Tuesday: S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index* (Jan.). Consumer Confidence. Job Openings. Fed speeches: Austan Goolsbee (Chicago), Michael Barr, Michelle Bowman.
Wednesday: Retail Sales* (Feb.). ADP Employment Report. Business Inventories* (Jan.). PMI—Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. EIA Petroleum Status Report. Fed speeches: Alberto Musalem (St. Louis), Michael Barr.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Feb.). Fed official Lorie Logan speaks. Factory Orders. EIA Natural Gas Report. Motor Vehicle Sales. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: Employment Report. PMI—Services.
* indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: March 27, 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 March 16th Recap
Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.07 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.11 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dropped 2.01 percent.1,2
Under Pressure
Stocks rebounded to start the week while oil prices eased. Investors kept one eye on potential bargains and the other on the Middle East conflict. Reports of a coalition of countries possibly joining to escort tankers out of the Persian Gulf also gave investors something to cheer.3
Stocks continued their rebound as investors cautiously awaited more developments in the conflict. Markets largely looked past attacks on tanker ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, through which one out of every five barrels of the world’s oil exports pass.4
An unexpectedly warm wholesale inflation reading and the Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady contributed to pressure on stock prices.
Stocks continued their slide on Thursday, albeit at a slower pace, as optimism that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen soon began to wane. However, markets managed to curb losses in a late-day relief rally.5,6
Stocks opened lower on the final trading day of the week but stabilized midday. However, after Iran declared force majeure on all foreign-owned oilfields later in the session, stocks came under pressure again as the week closed out.7
Fed’s Dot Plot
The Federal Reserve held the Fed funds rate steady at the current 3.5 to 3.75 percent target range. In his press conference, Fed Chair Powell said inflation wasn’t declining as much as policymakers had hoped or projected. The Fed’s “dot plot” (voting members’ medium- to long-term projections on GDP, inflation, and employment) suggests that an adjustment to rates before year-end may still be on the table.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Construction Spending* (Jan).
Tuesday: Productivity* (Q4, revised). PMI—Services. PMI—Manufacturing.
Wednesday: Import Prices.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday: Consumer Sentiment (final).
* indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; March 20, 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 March 9th Recap
Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.26 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.99 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 2.28 percent.1,2
Middle East
Markets got a volatile start to the week, with stocks falling and oil prices rising as commercial maritime traffic heading out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz remained at a virtual standstill. But stocks rebounded late in the day after the White House said the conflict may end sooner than expected.3
Stocks dropped at Tuesday’s opening bell, but mostly recovered after word spread that a group of countries, including the U.S., were considering a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to counter supply disruptions. Markets generally went sideways midweek as news that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) held steady last month buoyed spirits.4,5
As the week progressed, all three major averages fell, and oil prices hit all-time closing highs. Investors grew increasingly concerned over the impact of oil supply disruptions on the broader global economy, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a concern. Bond yields rose as investors believed a prolonged conflict would keep oil prices high, increasing the chance of higher inflation.6
Market sentiment continued to struggle as the week wrapped up, but declines slowed despite a downward revision to Q4 gross domestic product (GDP) growth.7
Stubborn Inflation
With all the updates on the Middle East conflict, it was easy to miss other news last week.
Wednesday’s report that the CPI remained unchanged in February over the prior 12 months was good news. But it was the last bit of inflation data before the conflict in the Middle East began. Friday’s Personal Consumption & Expenditures Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, showed that consumer prices remained sticky in January. Investors largely took this report in stride because delayed reports tend to lose their impact with time.8,9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization.
Tuesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting—Day 1. Pending Home Sales. Homebuilder Confidence.
Wednesday: FOMC Meeting—Day 2. Producer Price Index (PPI). Factory Orders* (Jan.). FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Wholesale Inventories* (Jan.) New Home Sales* (Jan.).
Friday: Employment Cost Index (Q4).
*Indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: March 13, 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 March 2nd Recap
Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 3.05 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 6.62 percent.1,2
Middle East Conflict
Stocks opened lower on the first trading day as investors reacted to news of military action in the Middle East. However, the decline was short-lived as investors “bought the dip.” All three major averages recovered or nearly recovered from their intraday lows by Monday’s close.3
Stocks opened lower again on Tuesday as the markets mulled over the possibility of a protracted conflict. However, afternoon comments from the White House—promising to provide risk insurance and U.S. Navy escorts to oil tankers and other maritime trade vessels in the Persian Gulf—seemed to calm investor nerves enough for stocks to partially recover before the close.4
Stocks opened higher at the opening bell on Wednesday, driven by a tech rebound and stabilized oil prices. News of stronger-than-expected private employer hiring from ADP boosted sentiment. By the closing bell, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were in the green for the week to date.5
But markets were under pressure the rest of the week on concerns over a widening conflict. Stocks opened lower on Friday after the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the economy unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs last month. Meanwhile, news that some oil fields in the Middle East had begun to cut production amid dwindling storage capacity added new complexity to the ongoing conflict.6,7
Focus On Oil
U.S. crude oil prices rose 36 percent—the biggest weekly gain since 1983. The conflict has brought tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for energy supplies, to a near standstill. Also, an ongoing concern is how insurance companies will adjust rates in the coming weeks due to heightened risks.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Existing Home Sales.
Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Budget.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit. Housing Starts. Building Permits.
Friday: Gross Domestic Product (Q4—first revision). Personal Consumption & Expenditures Index* (Jan). Durable Goods* (Jan). Job Openings* (Jan). Consumer Sentiment.
*Indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown in October and November of last year
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: March 6, 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 February 23rd Recap
Stocks fell last week amid concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and a warmer-than-expected reading of wholesale inflation.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 0.95 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.27 percent.
The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.22 percent.1,2
AI Disruption
Markets began the week under pressure as investors’ fears of AI disruption spread to a wide variety of industries. On Monday, a new research report circulated across trading floors, suggesting that AI could influence the broader economy and affect the unemployment rate.3
Stocks bounced back over the next two sessions as investors saw opportunity in an oversold AI trade. The relief rally included software and cybersecurity stocks, as well as AI-related technology shares more broadly. The rally gained momentum, spurred on by a prominent AI chipmaker, as investors eagerly awaited its Q4 corporate report. Investors pushed all three major averages higher over both days.4
But markets resumed their decline over the final two trading days of the week. The Dow Industrials fell more than the other two major averages, both on Friday and for the week. The Dow’s weakness was notable given that it still leads the S&P 500 and Nasdaq year to date.5
Wholesale Inflation Rises
Friday’s shutdown-delayed Producer Price Index (PPI) report showed that wholesale inflation rose 0.5 percent in January over the prior month. Economists expected prices to rise by 0.3 percent.6
PPI measures the costs for businesses, and some fear that if it costs businesses more to make a good or deliver a service, those costs might get passed on to consumers. Investor concerns often rise whenever an inflation report shows prices rising faster than the Fed’s 2 percent target.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: PMI—Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. Auto Sales.
Tuesday: Fed Presidents John Williams (New York) and Neel Kashkari (Minneapolis) speak.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. PMI—Services. ISM Services. Fed Beige Book.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Q4 Productivity. Import Prices.
Friday: Federal Employment Report. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack speaks.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; February 27, 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 February 16th Recap
Stocks ended a choppy four-session run in the green, with tech-led momentum earlier in the week prevailing over news of a slowing economy, sticky inflation, and geopolitical tensions.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.07 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.25 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.75 percent.1,2
Focus on Tech
Stocks kicked off the shortened trading week with a yawn as continuing investor angst over AI disruption in the software industry kept gains modest.3
But tech-led market momentum picked up—including gains from lesser-known names—as investors digested minutes from the Fed’s January meeting.4
Stocks then came under pressure as investors fretted over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns about private credit in the financial sector.5
Markets rallied on Friday after the Supreme Court struck down the White House tariffs. The news overshadowed a sticky inflation report and a disappointing update on Q4 gross domestic product (GDP), which was hurt by federal spending during the government shutdown.6
Friday Focus
All week, the markets were eyeing the Friday economic updates and were a bit surprised at the timing of the tariff news.
GDP rose 1.4 percent in Q4, lower than the 2.5 percent expected and slower than the 4.4 percent pace in Q3. The slowdown reflected declines in federal and consumer spending.7
While the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs had been expected, the news still took investors by surprise when it arrived on Friday. The decision was widely expected, but the timing of the news was uncertain. Investors appeared to welcome the news, as companies may have greater pricing flexibility without tariffs.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Factory Orders (Dec). Fed Governor Christopher Waller speaks.
Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index (Dec). Fed Presidents Austan Goolsbee (Chicago) and Raphael Bostic (Atlanta) speak. Fed Governors Waller and Lisa Cook speak. Wholesale Inventories (Dec). Consumer Confidence.
Wednesday: Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin speaks.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday: Producer Price Index (Jan). Construction Spending (Nov, Dec).
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; February 20, 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 February 9th Recap
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to mixed economic data and concerns over signs of broadening AI disruption of business models.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.10 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.23 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.92 percent.1,2
AI Disruption Fears
Big tech started last week back in the driver’s seat, leading the Nasdaq and S&P 500 to modest gains as investors appeared cautiously optimistic about the economy and Q4 corporate reports.3
Stocks slid modestly on Tuesday after December retail sales were flat, sparking some anxiety about the economy. Investors also fretted about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on financial stocks.4
A stronger-than-expected jobs report initially sparked a rally midweek, but momentum quickly faded as investors dug deeper into the numbers.
Stocks then came under pressure as AI disruption fears spread across several industry groups. Traders worried that AI would disrupt certain business models and possibly increase unemployment.5
Markets rebounded following Friday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading, which gave investors another economic data point to cheer as the pace of inflation slowed in January.6
Source: YCharts.com, February 14, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, February 9, to Friday, February 13. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
Good News, Bad News
Investors focused on three key economic reports out last week: retail sales, jobs, and inflation. Here are the key good news/bad news takeaways from each report:
Retail sales: Consumer spending was flat in December, below expectations and below November’s 0.6 percent growth. Good news: Given that two-thirds of the economy runs on consumer spending, the Fed may reconsider its wait-and-see stance on raising rates.7
Employment: January job growth was mostly concentrated in a single sector. Plus, downward revisions showed employers only added 181,000 jobs last year—70 percent fewer than initially thought. There was essentially no job growth in the back half of 2025. Good news: January job growth was more than double what economists expected—the biggest gain in over a year. The unemployment rate also edged down.8
Inflation: Inflation was cooler-than-expected but remains above the Fed’s target. Good news: The CPI’s 2.4 percent year-over-year growth in January marked a drop from December’s 2.7 percent annual pace.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Markets closed for Presidents’ Day
Tuesday: Empire State Manufacturing Survey
Wednesday: Housing Starts (Nov., Dec.). Building Permits (Nov., Dec.). Durable Goods (Dec.). Trade Balance in Goods (Dec.). Retail Inventories (Dec.). Wholesale Inventories (Dec.). Federal Open Market Committee Meeting Notes (Jan.).
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Dec.). Pending Home Sales. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari speaks.
Friday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Q4. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index (Dec.). New Home Sales (Nov., Dec.). Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: February 13, 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 February 2nd Recap
Stocks were mixed last week, with broad gains on Monday and Friday bookending midweek selling pressure as investors digested earnings results from more than 100 S&P 500 companies.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ended the week roughly where it started, slipping 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.84 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.50 percent. By contrast, the MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.49 percent.1,2
Dow 50,000
Stocks bounded out of the gate on Monday with the Dow leading a broad rise across all three major averages. Markets rose in anticipation of a big week for Q4 corporate reports.3
Market sentiment quickly changed on Tuesday as anxious investors appeared to rotate out of technology names and into cyclical areas of the economy more likely to rebound with an improving economy.
News on Wednesday that private-sector job growth slowed in January added to investor anxiety. Stocks fell again on Thursday, with the S&P 500 briefly going negative year-to-date.4,5
Then things turned around.
Stocks rebounded broadly on Friday as investors appeared to “buy the dip.” The Dow led, closing above the 50,000 level for the first time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq closed back above 23,000, while the S&P gained 2 percent. The latest University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment rose to its highest level in six months, helping buoy investor sentiment.6
Fed Watch: Jobs Data
The brief government shutdown that ended last week delayed several economic reports. The federal employment report for January, originally due out on February 6, has been delayed until Wednesday, February 11.
But payroll processor ADP reported on Wednesday that private employers added 22,000 jobs in January—about half of the 45,000 expected. Then, on Thursday, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that companies cut more than 108,000 jobs in January—the highest number of layoffs of any January since 2009.7,8
Investors tried to reconcile the reports with the Fed’s January post-meeting statement, which read, “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has shown some signs of stabilization. Inflation remains somewhat elevated.”9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Fed governors Christopher Waller and Stephen Miran speak.
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Retail Sales* (Dec). Import Prices* (Dec). Employment Cost Index (Q4). Business Inventories* (Nov). Fed Presidents Beth Hammack (Cleveland) and Lorie Logan (Dallas) speak.
Wednesday: Employment Report. Federal Budget.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Existing Home Sales (Jan). Fed governor Miran speaks.
Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; February 6, 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.
