Weekly Market Insights

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Have Best Week in Four Months

Stocks bolted ahead last week as investors cheered the last big week of Q2 corporate reports and a Friday jobs update that put the spotlight on the Fed’s next move with short-term rates.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 3.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 5.19 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.32 percent.^1,2

Best Week in Nearly 4 Months

Stocks opened the week strong as oil prices slid on news of diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Big Tech led, which helped push the Dow Industrials to a record close.³

Investor optimism continued to build on Tuesday as stocks opened higher and climbed throughout the day. Strong Q2 corporate reports added fuel to the rally, lifting all three averages into a second day of robust gains.⁴

Markets opened higher on Wednesday but lost momentum as the day progressed. On Thursday, oil prices crept higher, and stocks went sideways as investors awaited updates on the Middle East and digested the final big trove of Q2 corporate results.^5,6

Then, on Friday, an unexpected contraction in the labor market boosted stocks as investors hoped the jobs data might influence the Fed’s outlook for short-term rates.

Each major average logged its best weekly gain since mid-April.⁷

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, August 7, 2026

2. Investing.com, August 7, 2026

3. CNBC.com, August 3, 2026

4. CNBC.com, August 4, 2026

5. CNBC.com, August 5, 2026

6. CNBC.com, August 6, 2026

7. WSJ.com, August 7, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Have Best Week in Four Months

Stocks bolted ahead last week as investors cheered the last big week of Q2 corporate reports and a Friday jobs update that put the spotlight on the Fed’s next move with short-term rates.

Best Week in Nearly 4 Months

Stocks opened the week strong as oil prices slid on news of diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Big Tech led, which helped push the Dow Industrials to a record close.³

Then, on Friday, an unexpected contraction in the labor market boosted stocks as investors hoped the jobs data might influence the Fed’s outlook for short-term rates.

Each major average logged its best weekly gain since mid-April.⁷

Footnotes And Sources

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rally After Fed Hold

Stocks pushed through another volatile summer week as diverging Q2 corporate reports and the Fed’s rate decision whipsawed prices.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.05 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.59 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.04 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 2.13 percent.^1,2

Tech Stocks Steal Spotlight

Chip stocks were under pressure at the start of the week as investors fretted over fresh competition from China and higher-than-expected AI capital expenditures. But the Dow pushed higher as oil prices slid and investors rotated out of technology.^3,4

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve said it was holding interest rates steady, a move that was initially well received by markets. But as the day progressed, selling picked up as investors expressed concern that the Fed was not doing enough to battle inflation.⁵

Markets rebounded on Thursday with semiconductors and big-tech names leading the way. The Nasdaq rose nearly 3 percent, ending its 6-day losing streak.^6,7

Momentum from Thursday’s rally extended into Friday. Markets rose at open despite diverging Q2 earnings results from two influential tech companies. While it wasn’t a straight line, all three major averages built on gains throughout the day to end the week higher.⁸

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, July 31, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, July 31, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, July 27, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, July 28, 2026}
^{5. WSJ.com, July 29, 2026}
^{6. CNBC.com, July 30, 2026}
^{7. WSJ.com, July 30, 2026}
^{8. CNBC.com, July 31, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Retreats; Chips Stumble

Stocks fell last week as the chip-stock trade entered a selloff phase, despite upbeat news on inflation.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.90 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.93 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 0.80 percent.^1,2

Chip Stocks Under Pressure

Renewed tensions in the Middle East gripped investors as the week kicked off. Stocks slid broadly as oil prices climbed.³

On Tuesday, investors cheered news of the first drop in consumer inflation in six years. The following day, an unexpected drop in wholesale inflation prompted investors to rethink the Fed’s next move on short-term interest rates.^4,5

But on Thursday, the S&P 500 opened lower as chip stocks dragged the broader market lower once again.⁶

As the week wrapped up, the S&P lost over 1 percent on Friday, while the Nasdaq fell 1.4 percent as investors appeared to rotate out of chip stocks and other tech names in favor of other sectors.⁷

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, July 17, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, July 17, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, July 13, 2026}
^{4. WSJ.com, July 14, 2026}
^{5. CNBC.com, July 15, 2026}
^{6. CNBC.com, July 16, 2026}
^{7. CNBC.com, July 17, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Chip Rally Lifts the Week

Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.74 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.50 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.42 percent.^1,2

Tech-Led Rise Past Geopolitical Concerns

Stocks rose to start the week, with the Dow hitting another record close and the Nasdaq climbing more than 1 percent as investors shook off valuation concerns that plagued AI stocks over the past few weeks.³

The Dow hit a new intraday high on Tuesday before its two-day slide, along with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, through the week’s lows midday Wednesday. That said, the Nasdaq eked out a slight gain on Wednesday after chip stocks recovered.^4,5

After hitting its midweek bottom, stocks climbed through the end of the week. Chip stocks led the rally, pushing higher amid continued Middle East conflict, even as reports emerged that mediators were trying to get the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table. A handful of big tech names led the broad market’s rise to finish the week strong, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each gaining more than 1 percent on Friday.^6,7

A ‘Family Fight’, Vexed by Inflation

Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting were released on Wednesday and revealed a Fed divided and unsure of how to proceed without more inflation data.

Fed officials offered opposing arguments at the meeting about whether to raise or lower interest rates. Fed Chair Warsh called the debate a “family fight” and gave little forward guidance on where the next decision was leaning, adding they would continue to assess “incoming information” on inflation.⁸

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, July 10, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, July 10, 2026}
^{3. WSJ.com, July 6, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, July 7, 2026}
^{5. CNBC.com, July 8, 2026}
^{6. CNBC.com, July 9, 2026}
^{7. CNBC.com, July 10, 2026}
^{8. CNBC.com, July 8, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Tech Steps Back. Banks, Healthcare, and Industrials Step Forward

Stocks ended mixed as falling oil prices helped lift the Dow Industrials, while concerns about AI valuation put pressure on the broader market.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 4.60 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.60 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.33 percent.^1,2

Dow Industrials Take the Lead

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes were under pressure to start the week as the AI trade and tech more broadly came under scrutiny. But the Dow Industrials made a modest gain for the day.³

The rotation away from tech continued Tuesday, with large consumer stocks faring particularly well, which minimized the Dow’s decline. The S&P fell about 1.4 percent for the day, while the Nasdaq fell more than 2 percent.⁴

Midweek, stocks were mixed. Healthcare, financial, and industrial sectors carried the Dow to small gains on Wednesday and Thursday. Conversely, continued pressure on tech shares led the S&P and Nasdaq down, albeit at a slower pace than earlier in the week.^5,6

Then markets flattened out as the week wrapped up. The slow-but-steady Dow logged its 3rd consecutive weekly gain, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 were under steady pressure during the week.⁷

Inflation Update

The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, PCE, or the Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, came in as expected for May. While the core number, which excludes energy, was at its highest level since October 2023. However, investors appeared relieved that there were no surprises.⁸

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, June 26, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, June 26, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, June 22, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, June 23, 2026}
^{5. CNBC.com, June 24, 2026}
^{6. CNBC.com, June 25, 2026}
^{7. WSJ.com, June 26, 2026}
^{8. CNBC.com, June 25, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | U.S.-Iran Agreement Sends Oil Tumbling, Stocks Rising

Stocks rose over the shortened trading week as investors digested developments in the Middle East while the Fed held short-term rates steady.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.93 percent through Thursday’s close, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 2.43 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.71 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 0.96 percent over the same four-day period.^1,2

Dow Hits 52,000

The week began with stocks rising and oil prices falling after the White House announced that the U.S. and Iran had reached an agreement over the weekend.

All three major averages climbed on Monday, ranging from 1 to 3 percent gains, while crude prices declined by roughly 5 percent.³

Tuesday was a split-screen performance. The Dow Jones Industrials rose to a record intraday high as oil prices fell, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped as investors rotated out of tech and into cyclical stocks such as banks and industrials. The Dow Industrials crossed the 52,000 threshold for the first time.⁴

The S&P and Nasdaq opened higher midweek as tech stocks recovered, and amid news that consumer spending unexpectedly rose in May. Investors also appeared to be in a risk-on mood as they awaited the Fed decision, confident that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) would hold rates steady.⁵

Then, on Thursday, stocks rebounded, led by chipmakers and the AI trade. The S&P 500 capped its 11th winning week of the past 12.⁶

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, June 18, 2026

2. Investing.com, June 18, 2026

3. CNBC.com, June 15, 2026

4. CNBC.com, June 16, 2026

5. WSJ.com, June 17, 2026

6. CNBC.com, June 18, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Peace Talks and Moonshot IPO Rescue the Week

Stocks moved higher last week as inflation jitters gave way to investor enthusiasm over Middle East diplomatic efforts and the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO).

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.65 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.70 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.66 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.92 percent.^1,2

War, Peace & Space

Stocks were mixed on the first day of the week. Chip stocks led advances by the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the Dow Industrials sagged.³

The script flipped in the next session, as the chip stock fizzled despite a drop in oil prices. The S&P and Nasdaq slipped, while the Dow Industrials gained. Materials and consumer discretionary and real estate sectors led, with the latter rising on better-than-expected existing home sales.⁴

Stocks fell broadly midweek as investors reacted to the May CPI report, which showed year-over-year consumer inflation ticked up to 4.2 percent.⁵

But then sentiment turned positive again on Thursday after the White House gave an update on its ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.⁶

The week wrapped on a positive note, as the largest IPO appeared to boost investor enthusiasm, particularly for AI, and there were more updates on the Middle East.⁷

Inflation Update

While year-over-year inflation rose to a 3-year high due to higher energy prices, Wall Street found some silver linings in the May report.

First, investors saw this coming. The 4.2 percent “headline” inflation matched market expectations, so the news was welcomed. Second, core inflation rose 2.9 percent over the prior 12 months, in line with forecasts.

Third, month-over-month CPI cooled slightly, giving investors hope that energy prices may have peaked.⁸

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, June 12, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, June 12, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, June 8, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, June 9, 2026}
^{5. WSJ.com, June 10, 2026}
^{6. CNBC.com, June 11, 2026}
^{7. CNBC.com, June 12, 2026}
^{8. WSJ.com, June 10, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Markets Stumble, But the Jobs Picture Stays Bright

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

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, June 5, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, June 5, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, June 1, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, June 3, 2026}
^{5. CNBC.com, June 4, 2026}
^{6. WSJ.com, June 5, 2026}

Weekly Market Insights | Markets Shrug Off Chip Worries, Finish Strong

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

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, May 22, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, May 22, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, May 18, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, May 20, 2026}
^{5. CNBC.com, May 21, 2026}
^{6. WSJ.com, May 22, 2026}