Last Week on Wall Street
Stocks fell last week, buffeted by concerns about stock price valuations and a possible government shutdown.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.30%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.64%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.15%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 0.41%.1,2
Stocks Under Pressure
The S&P 500 and the small-cap index Russell 2000 hit all-time intraday highs on Tuesday before trending lower. The decline turned into a three-day retreat for stocks.3
Adding to the selling pressure was Federal Reserve Chair Powell, who made cautious comments on stock price valuations on Tuesday. Investors were also watching a possible government shutdown as Congressional budget deliberations appeared to stall.4,5
It was the first time in six months that all three averages (Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq) declined over three consecutive sessions.6
Stocks rebounded Friday after the Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index—the Fed’s preferred inflation measure—was in line with expectations. The news appeared to reassure investors that the Fed would move ahead with its “penciled-in” rate adjustments for the remainder of this year.7
Economic Snapshot
A flurry of updated economic data hit last week. Here are the key takeaways:
Overall, the indicators suggested a strong economy. The final estimate of Q2 gross domestic product was 3.8 percent, stronger than previous reports. Durable goods orders rebounded in August, driven by a surge in aircraft orders. And weekly jobless claims fell.8
The fact that the PCE was in line with estimates—core inflation of 2.9 percent year over year—was welcomed news for investors. The report seemed to support Fed Chair Powell’s position, who on Tuesday suggested that weakness in the labor market outweighed concerns about stubborn inflation.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Pending Home Sales. Fed Officials speak: Christopher Waller (Fed governor), Beth Hammack (Cleveland Fed President), John Williams (New York Fed President), Alberto Musalem (St. Louis Fed President), and Raphael Bostic (Atlanta Fed President).
Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Job Openings. 1-Year Treasury Bill Auction. Consumer Confidence. Fed Officials speak: Philip Jefferson (Fed Vice Chair), Austan Goolsbee (Chicago Fed President), Lorie Logan (Dallas Fed President).
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Construction Spending. ISM Manufacturing Index. PMI Composite (Manufacturing). Auto Sales.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Factory Orders. Lorie Logan speaks. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: Employment Report. PMI Composite (Services). ISM Services Index. Fed Officials speak: John Williams, Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 26, 2025 – 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 be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: NIKE, Inc. (NKE), Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)
Source: Zacks, September 26, 2025 – Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
More relevant articles by Financial Synergies:
Blog Disclosures
This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own financial advisors as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blogs, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as the views of Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. client.
Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its employees. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment or financial planning advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. It also should not be construed as an offer soliciting the purchase or sale of any security mentioned. Nor should it be construed as an offer to provide investment advisory services by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any charts provided here or on any related Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. personnel content outlets are for informational purposes only, and should also not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Information in charts have been obtained from third-party sources and data, and may include those from portfolio securities of funds managed by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. All content speaks only as of the date indicated.
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
See Full Disclosures Page Here
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Last Week on Wall Street: Stocks React to Powell Comments [Sep. 29-2025]
Last Week on Wall Street
Stocks fell last week, buffeted by concerns about stock price valuations and a possible government shutdown.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.30%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.64%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.15%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 0.41%.1,2
Stocks Under Pressure
The S&P 500 and the small-cap index Russell 2000 hit all-time intraday highs on Tuesday before trending lower. The decline turned into a three-day retreat for stocks.3
Adding to the selling pressure was Federal Reserve Chair Powell, who made cautious comments on stock price valuations on Tuesday. Investors were also watching a possible government shutdown as Congressional budget deliberations appeared to stall.4,5
It was the first time in six months that all three averages (Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq) declined over three consecutive sessions.6
Stocks rebounded Friday after the Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index—the Fed’s preferred inflation measure—was in line with expectations. The news appeared to reassure investors that the Fed would move ahead with its “penciled-in” rate adjustments for the remainder of this year.7
Economic Snapshot
A flurry of updated economic data hit last week. Here are the key takeaways:
Overall, the indicators suggested a strong economy. The final estimate of Q2 gross domestic product was 3.8 percent, stronger than previous reports. Durable goods orders rebounded in August, driven by a surge in aircraft orders. And weekly jobless claims fell.8
The fact that the PCE was in line with estimates—core inflation of 2.9 percent year over year—was welcomed news for investors. The report seemed to support Fed Chair Powell’s position, who on Tuesday suggested that weakness in the labor market outweighed concerns about stubborn inflation.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Pending Home Sales. Fed Officials speak: Christopher Waller (Fed governor), Beth Hammack (Cleveland Fed President), John Williams (New York Fed President), Alberto Musalem (St. Louis Fed President), and Raphael Bostic (Atlanta Fed President).
Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Job Openings. 1-Year Treasury Bill Auction. Consumer Confidence. Fed Officials speak: Philip Jefferson (Fed Vice Chair), Austan Goolsbee (Chicago Fed President), Lorie Logan (Dallas Fed President).
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Construction Spending. ISM Manufacturing Index. PMI Composite (Manufacturing). Auto Sales.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Factory Orders. Lorie Logan speaks. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: Employment Report. PMI Composite (Services). ISM Services Index. Fed Officials speak: John Williams, Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 26, 2025 – 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 be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: NIKE, Inc. (NKE), Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)
Source: Zacks, September 26, 2025 – Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
More relevant articles by Financial Synergies:
Blog Disclosures
This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own financial advisors as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blogs, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as the views of Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. client.
Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its employees. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment or financial planning advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. It also should not be construed as an offer soliciting the purchase or sale of any security mentioned. Nor should it be construed as an offer to provide investment advisory services by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any charts provided here or on any related Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. personnel content outlets are for informational purposes only, and should also not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Information in charts have been obtained from third-party sources and data, and may include those from portfolio securities of funds managed by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. All content speaks only as of the date indicated.
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
See Full Disclosures Page Here
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