Thoughts and insight on the latest retirement topics.
Weekly Update: July 13, 2026 | Chip Rally Lifts the Week
Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.74 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.50 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index,…
Weekly Update: July 6, 2026 | Markets Close Quarter Strong, Shrug Off Weak Jobs Report
Markets notched a solid gain over a shortened trading week as investors cheered ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.77 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.12 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.97 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets,…
Weekly Update: June 29, 2026 | Tech Steps Back. Banks, Healthcare, and Industrials Step Forward
Stocks ended mixed as falling oil prices helped lift the Dow Industrials, while concerns about AI valuation put pressure on the broader market. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 4.60 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.60 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed…
Weekly Update: June 22, 2026 | U.S.-Iran Agreement Sends Oil Tumbling, Stocks Rising
Stocks rose over the shortened trading week as investors digested developments in the Middle East while the Fed held short-term rates steady. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.93 percent through Thursday’s close, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 2.43 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.71 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks…
Weekly Update: June 15, 2026 | Peace Talks and Moonshot IPO Rescue the Week
Stocks moved higher last week as inflation jitters gave way to investor enthusiasm over Middle East diplomatic efforts and the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO). The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.65 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.70 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.66 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which…
Weekly Update: June 8, 2026 | Markets Stumble, But the Jobs Picture Stays Bright
Stocks slumped last week as investors winced over the potential for oil-shock inflation and concerns that strong jobs data could lead to higher interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 2.59 percent. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 4.68 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks…
Weekly Update: June 1, 2026 | Inflation Cools, Stocks Soar, Month Ends Strong
The post-Memorial Day holiday trading week was short but potent as stocks delivered more record gains while confidence grew that a peace deal would materialize. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 2.39 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.90 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which…
Weekly Update: May 25, 2026 | Markets Shrug Off Chip Worries, Finish Strong
Stocks bounced back last week as enthusiasm for the AI trade continued and rumors of a Middle East peace agreement bolstered investor optimism. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.88 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged ahead 0.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 2.13 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks…
Weekly Update: May 18, 2026 | Inflation Bites, But Wall Street Bites Back
Stocks were mixed last week as investors fretted over hot inflation reports, which offset the move in chipmaker stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.08 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets,…
Weekly Update: May 11, 2026 | Stocks Rise with Upbeat News
Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.22 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets,…
Weekly Update: May 4, 2026 | S&P, Nasdaq Have Best Month in 5 Years
Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.55 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock…
Weekly Update: April 27, 2026 | Mixed Week After Ceasefire
Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.44 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock…