Last Week on Wall Street
Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.47%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.02 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.28%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 1.93.1,2
Earnings, Trade Lift Markets
Stocks showed mixed results the first couple of days last week. Optimism around the Q2 corporate reporting season gave way to mostly positive market reaction as the actual corporate reports started to roll in. The S&P 500 edged ahead to two record closes despite pressure on chipmakers.3
Trade negotiations took center stage midweek after the White House announced an agreement with Japan. Stocks extended the rally after news that the U.S. and European Union were approaching an agreement. The Nasdaq closed above 21,000 for the first time on Wednesday, while the S&P hit its 12th record close this year.4
Stocks continued their climb after one megacap tech firm posted better-than-expected quarterly results. The S&P 500 logged record closing highs every session, while the Nasdaq closed at record highs on 4 of the 5 days.5,6
A Tale of Two Houses, Times Two
When fresh housing data emerged this week, one number stood out: new homes are now nearly 8 percent cheaper than existing homes.
The median sales price of a new home in June was $401,800, compared with $435,300 for an existing home—an all-time high. Homebuilders have been reducing prices in an attempt to attract potential buyers.7
But there’s another tale of two houses: national versus regional.
Existing home prices rose 2.7 percent last month over May. In the Northeast, where inventory is still constrained, prices rose 4.2 percent in June. However, the market is softening in many other regions of the country. In the South, for example, prices only rose 0.3 percent. Homes stay on the market for longer, and inventory rises, leading some to conclude that it’s a buyer’s market.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Trade Balance in Goods. Consumer Confidence. Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Retail Inventories. Wholesale Inventories. Job Openings. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) July meeting—Day 1.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Treasury Refunding Announcement. Pending Home Sales. FOMC July meeting—Day 2. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Powell Press Conference.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Personal Consumption and Expenditures (PCE) Index. Employment Cost Index. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: July Employment Report. ISM Manufacturing Index. Construction Spending. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; July 25, 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
Monday: Welltower Inc. (WELL), Waste Management, Inc. (WM)
Tuesday: Visa Inc. (V), The Proctor & Gamble Company (PNG), UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), The Boeing Company (BA), Spotify Technology (SPOT), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), American Tower Corporation (AMT)
Wednesday: Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Lam Research Corporation (LRCX), Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD)
Thursday: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Mastercard Incorporated (MA), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), Stryker Corporation (SYK), Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR), KLA Corporation (KLAC), MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR), The Southern Company (SO), Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN), Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A / BRK.B), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), Chevron Corporation (CVX)
Source: Zacks, July 25, 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
Last Week on Wall Street: Upbeat Q2, Trade News Cheer Investors [July 28-2025]
Last Week on Wall Street
Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.47%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.02 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.28%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 1.93.1,2
Earnings, Trade Lift Markets
Stocks showed mixed results the first couple of days last week. Optimism around the Q2 corporate reporting season gave way to mostly positive market reaction as the actual corporate reports started to roll in. The S&P 500 edged ahead to two record closes despite pressure on chipmakers.3
Trade negotiations took center stage midweek after the White House announced an agreement with Japan. Stocks extended the rally after news that the U.S. and European Union were approaching an agreement. The Nasdaq closed above 21,000 for the first time on Wednesday, while the S&P hit its 12th record close this year.4
Stocks continued their climb after one megacap tech firm posted better-than-expected quarterly results. The S&P 500 logged record closing highs every session, while the Nasdaq closed at record highs on 4 of the 5 days.5,6
A Tale of Two Houses, Times Two
When fresh housing data emerged this week, one number stood out: new homes are now nearly 8 percent cheaper than existing homes.
The median sales price of a new home in June was $401,800, compared with $435,300 for an existing home—an all-time high. Homebuilders have been reducing prices in an attempt to attract potential buyers.7
But there’s another tale of two houses: national versus regional.
Existing home prices rose 2.7 percent last month over May. In the Northeast, where inventory is still constrained, prices rose 4.2 percent in June. However, the market is softening in many other regions of the country. In the South, for example, prices only rose 0.3 percent. Homes stay on the market for longer, and inventory rises, leading some to conclude that it’s a buyer’s market.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Trade Balance in Goods. Consumer Confidence. Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Retail Inventories. Wholesale Inventories. Job Openings. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) July meeting—Day 1.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Treasury Refunding Announcement. Pending Home Sales. FOMC July meeting—Day 2. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Powell Press Conference.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Personal Consumption and Expenditures (PCE) Index. Employment Cost Index. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: July Employment Report. ISM Manufacturing Index. Construction Spending. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; July 25, 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
Monday: Welltower Inc. (WELL), Waste Management, Inc. (WM)
Tuesday: Visa Inc. (V), The Proctor & Gamble Company (PNG), UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), The Boeing Company (BA), Spotify Technology (SPOT), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), American Tower Corporation (AMT)
Wednesday: Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Lam Research Corporation (LRCX), Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD)
Thursday: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Mastercard Incorporated (MA), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), Stryker Corporation (SYK), Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR), KLA Corporation (KLAC), MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR), The Southern Company (SO), Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN), Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A / BRK.B), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), Chevron Corporation (CVX)
Source: Zacks, July 25, 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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