Last week saw stocks close markedly lower as investors were discouraged by hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who put a damper on the likelihood of another interest rate decrease this year. Among the market sectors, energy, financials, and utilities closed the week higher, while the remaining sectors ended the week in the
Wall Street saw stocks end October with a whimper, although equities began November on a high note. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed last week lower, except the Russell 2000. A surprisingly weak jobs report (see below) at the end of the week was offset by solid earnings reports from a couple of
Tech shares helped the NASDAQ close up last week. The remaining indexes listed here didn’t fare as well. Renewed concerns about the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy dampened investor appetite for risk. Bond prices also faded during the week, driving yields higher. Crude oil prices climbed higher as investors monitored ongoing tensions in the Middle
Despite a tepid start, stocks ended last week generally higher. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid gains with the Dow and the S&P 500 reaching record highs on multiple occasions. Financials and information technology led the market sectors, with consumer discretionary, real estate, communication services, utilities, and energy losing ground. Crude oil
Investors were confronted with plenty of market-moving information last week as they waded through negative developments and some positive signs. Growing tensions in the Middle East and a slowdown in the manufacturing sector (see below) were causes for concern, while a better-than-expected jobs report (see below) helped alleviate some of those worries, at least for
Wall Street enjoyed a solid week of gains following a rough start to the month. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here advanced, with the exception of the Russell 2000, which is generally the most volatile of the aforementioned indexes. Eight of the 11 S&P 500 market sectors closed the week ahead, led by materials
Equities rallied notably last week as investors awaited this week’s Federal Reserve meeting in anticipation of at least a 25.0-basis-point reduction in interest rates. Nine of the 11 market sectors ended last week higher, led by information technology. Only financials and energy lagged. The yield on 10-year Treasuries slipped to its lowest level since May
September has clearly gotten off to a rough start for Wall Street. Stocks plunged lower on fears of an economic decline and a waning labor market. Investors feared that the Federal Reserve, which is now more likely to drop interest rates by at least 50.0 basis points when it meets in a few weeks, may
Despite moments of trepidation, the stock market extended its winning streak to three straight weeks. And even with its rough start, August marked the fourth month in a row of positive returns. Several encouraging reports suggested that the economy is holding up and inflation is moderating, keeping alive hopes of a soft landing and a
Investors finally heard what they had been waiting for after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave clear indications that the central bank will lower interest rates in September. Powell noted that the labor market has cooled and inflation is slowing. In an up and down week for stocks, each of the benchmark indexes listed here
