As of Market Close March 28, 2025

Despite getting off to a good start, stocks wavered throughout much of last week, ultimately closing lower. Each of the benchmark indexes lost ground, with the S&P 500 finishing the week lower for the fifth time in the last six weeks after reaching record highs in mid-February. Several negative factors weighed on investors, including hotter-than-expected core consumer prices (see below) and a slowdown in consumer spending. Last Monday saw stocks rise as investors were encouraged by the prospect of the Trump administration selectively imposing tariffs, reducing the likelihood of a full-blown trade war. Read More

As of Market Close March 7, 2025

Stocks suffered through their worst week since September, with each of the benchmark indexes listed here falling more than 2.3% with the exception of the Global Dow, which gained less than 1.0%. Investors faced trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and a slightly weaker-than-expected jobs report. Each of the market sectors declined last week, with the exception of health care. Information technology dropped more than 7.4%. Last Friday, reassurance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell that the economy remained solid helped quell some of the angst among investors, which helped push bond yields higher at week’s end. Crude oil prices rallied on Friday but not enough to prevent a weekly decline of over 4.0%.

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As of Market Close February 28, 2025

The markets experienced a volatile week, ultimately closing mostly lower. Among the indexes listed here, only the Dow managed to eke out a weekly gain. The week ended with stocks posting gains, despite a tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Investors wrestled with the uncertain economic impact of President Trump’s proposed tariffs, inflationary pressures that refuse to subside, and geopolitical turmoil. Treasury yields declined as bond prices rose. Crude oil prices dipped lower. The dollar index rose, while gold prices declined.

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As of Market Close February 21, 2024

Wall Street saw stocks close lower last week as investors soured on risk following the release of weaker-than-expected economic data and inflation worries. Each of the benchmark indexes ended the week in the red. Among the market sectors, consumer discretionary and communication services underperformed. Bond prices moved higher on increased demand, dragging yields lower. Crude oil prices declined for the third straight week. The dollar index ticked lower, while gold prices advanced.

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