Weekly Market Insights

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

<sup>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</sup>

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

<sup>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</sup>

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

<sup>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</sup> 

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

<sup>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</sup>

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

<sup>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</sup>

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

Footnotes And Sources

<sup>1. WSJ.com, May 15, 2026
2. Investing.com, May 15, 2026
3. CNBC.com, May 11, 2026
4. WSJ.com, May 12, 2026
5. CNBC.com, May 13, 2026
6. CNBC.com, May 14, 2026
7. CNBC.com, May 15, 2026</sup>

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

Footnotes And Sources

<sup>1. WSJ.com, May 8, 2026
2. Investing.com, May 8, 2026
3. CNBC.com, May 4, 2026
4. CNBC.com, May 6, 2026
5. CNBC.com, April 30, 2026
6. WSJ.com, May 7, 2026
7. WSJ.com, May 8, 2026
8. Reuters.com, May 5, 2026</sup>  

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

Footnotes And Sources

<sup>1. WSJ.com, May 1, 2026
2. Investing.com, May 1, 2026
3. CNBC.com, April 28, 2026
4. WSJ.com, April 29, 2026
5. CNBC.com, April 30, 2026
6. CNBC.com, May 1, 2026
7. WSJ.com, April 29, 2026</sup>

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

Footnotes And Sources

<sup>1. WSJ.com, April 17, 2026
2. Investing.com, April 24, 2026
3. CNBC.com, April 21, 2026
4. CNBC.com, April 22, 2026
5. CNBC.com, April 23, 2026
6. WSJ.com, April 24, 2026</sup>

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

Footnotes And Sources

<sup>1. WSJ.com, April 17, 2026
2. Investing.com, April 17, 2026
3. CNBC.com, April 13, 2026
4. CNBC.com, April 15, 2026
5. CNBC.com, April 16, 2026
6. WSJ.com, April 17, 2026
7. CNBC.com, April 15, 2026</sup>