Last Week on Wall Street
Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports. The S&P 500 is now positive for the year.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.33%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.21%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3.50%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 0.97%.1,2
S&P, Dow Erase YTD Losses
Stocks pushed higher on Monday as investors cheered weekend news that the U.S. and China temporarily agreed to back off steep reciprocal tariffs.3
Then, a mild inflation report for April—the slowest annualized Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading in four years—boosted markets on Tuesday. Tech stocks powered the rally as the S&P 500 closed trading in the green for the year.4,5
Markets closed the week with modest gains, largely looking past weak consumer sentiment data released on Friday.
Friday was the Dow’s turn to erase year-to-date losses and get back in the green while the Nasdaq and S&P notched a five-day winning streak.6
All Eyes on Economic Data
The retail (CPI) and wholesale inflation reports (Producer Price Index) were mild, although most economists didn’t expect tariffs to impact prices in the first month of implementation.
Retail sales ticked up slightly (as expected), while industrial production and housing starts showed signs of tariff impact.7,8
Expect traders to continue to closely watch economic reports to better understand whether tariffs are showing up in the data.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: New York Fed President John Williams, Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speak. Leading Economic Indicators. E-Commerce Retail Sales.
Tuesday: Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin, Raphael Bostic, and Fed Governor Adriana Kugler speak. Financial Markets Conference.
Wednesday: Thomas Barkin speaks. 20-Year Treasury Bond Auction.
Thursday: Existing Home Sales. Jobless Claims (weekly). PMI Composite—Services and Manufacturing. John Williams speaks. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: New Home Sales. Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Fed Governor Lisa Cook speak.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 16, 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: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)
Wednesday: The TJX Companies Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW)
Thursday: Intuit Inc. (INTU), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The Toronto Dominion Bank (TD), Workday, Inc. (WDAY)
Source: Zacks, May 16, 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 may contain 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 or Blog 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
Last Week on Wall Street: U.S.-China Tariff Truce? [May. 19-2025]
Last Week on Wall Street
Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports. The S&P 500 is now positive for the year.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.33%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.21%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3.50%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 0.97%.1,2
S&P, Dow Erase YTD Losses
Stocks pushed higher on Monday as investors cheered weekend news that the U.S. and China temporarily agreed to back off steep reciprocal tariffs.3
Then, a mild inflation report for April—the slowest annualized Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading in four years—boosted markets on Tuesday. Tech stocks powered the rally as the S&P 500 closed trading in the green for the year.4,5
Markets closed the week with modest gains, largely looking past weak consumer sentiment data released on Friday.
Friday was the Dow’s turn to erase year-to-date losses and get back in the green while the Nasdaq and S&P notched a five-day winning streak.6
All Eyes on Economic Data
The retail (CPI) and wholesale inflation reports (Producer Price Index) were mild, although most economists didn’t expect tariffs to impact prices in the first month of implementation.
Retail sales ticked up slightly (as expected), while industrial production and housing starts showed signs of tariff impact.7,8
Expect traders to continue to closely watch economic reports to better understand whether tariffs are showing up in the data.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: New York Fed President John Williams, Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speak. Leading Economic Indicators. E-Commerce Retail Sales.
Tuesday: Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin, Raphael Bostic, and Fed Governor Adriana Kugler speak. Financial Markets Conference.
Wednesday: Thomas Barkin speaks. 20-Year Treasury Bond Auction.
Thursday: Existing Home Sales. Jobless Claims (weekly). PMI Composite—Services and Manufacturing. John Williams speaks. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: New Home Sales. Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Fed Governor Lisa Cook speak.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 16, 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: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)
Wednesday: The TJX Companies Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW)
Thursday: Intuit Inc. (INTU), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The Toronto Dominion Bank (TD), Workday, Inc. (WDAY)
Source: Zacks, May 16, 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 may contain 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 or Blog 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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