The Weekly Update
Week of April 14th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Stocks ended the week with a strong gain as traders continued to focus on tariff talks while appearing to overlook upbeat news on inflation.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 7.29 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 4.95 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased by 0.72 percent.
Stocks Rebound
Stocks rallied on Monday after a report surfaced that the administration was considering a 90-day pause on tariffs. But when the White House clarified its position, sellers stepped in.
On Tuesday, prices jumped at the next opening bell after the Treasury Secretary said the U.S. was open to tariff negotiations with trading partners. The rally stalled and reversed on news the administration was adjusting tariffs on Chinese imports.
After the White House announced a 90-day pause on specific tariffs on Wednesday, markets pushed higher. The S&P 500 gained 9.5 percent, its largest one-day increase in 17 years.
Stocks fell again Thursday morning, appearing to overlook an upbeat Consumer Price Index report showing that core inflation (excluding food and energy) rose at a 2.8 percent annual rate–the best number in more than four years. Stocks finished the week with a powerful rally, capping a volatile trading week.
Watching the Bond Market
The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose more than 50 basis points for the week, marking one of the most significant moves on record. (When bond yields increase, bond prices tend to move lower.)
The week’s action was unexpected. In the past, investors have turned to U.S. bonds during market turbulence. However, the ongoing tariff talks have, at least temporarily, influenced how some overseas investors view U.S. bonds.
The bond market activity influenced the mortgage market, where the average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage closed Friday at 7.1 percent, its highest level in two months.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and Atlanta Fed President Bostic speak.
Tuesday: Import Price Index.
Wednesday: Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Business Inventories. Home Builder Confidence Index. Cleveland Fed President Hammack speaks.
Thursday: Housing Starts. Building Permits.
Friday: San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly speaks.
Source: Investor’s Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 11, 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: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)
Tuesday: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Citigroup Inc. (C)
Wednesday: Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Prologis, Inc. (PLD)
Thursday: UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), American Express Company (AXP), Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC), The Blackstone Group (BX), Infosys (INFY)
Source: Zacks, April 1 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.
