NYC Skyline

Mixed market performance amid hawkish fed signals

The stock market finished the week with mixed performance as investors navigated uneven sector leadership, mega-cap rotation, and Fed commentary that tempered December rate-cut expectations. 

The DJIA (+0.3% WTD) and S&P 500 (+0.1% WTD) ended slightly higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (-0.5% WTD), Russell 2000 (-1.8% WTD), and S&P MidCap 400 (-1.2% WTD) lagged. The health care (+3.9% WTD) and energy (+2.5% WTD) sectors led gains, while the consumer discretionary (-2.7% WTD), communication services (-0.8% WTD), and utilities (-1.2% WTD) sectors underperformed.

Early-week optimism around an end to the government shutdown supported broad-market participation, with AI-related technology stocks, chipmakers, and healthcare leaders like Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth, Viatris, and Moderna driving early strength. Midweek, tech-heavy sectors struggled, though the DJIA reached a record closing above 48,000, supported by the financials (+0.1% WTD) and industrials (-0.9% WTD) sectors. The S&P 500 Equal Weighted Index highlighted rotation beyond mega-cap growth, reflecting broader participation.

Later in the week, hawkish Fed commentary from officials reduced odds of a December rate cut to coin-flip probabilities, pressuring growth-oriented and high-beta names. Thursday’s broad-based weakness pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite lower, though Friday saw a partial rebound as chipmakers and other technology stocks stabilized, helping the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reclaim technical support above their 50-day moving averages. The week reflected a market balancing selective sector rotation against caution on policy and stretched valuations.

  • DJIA: +0.3% WTD
  • S&P 500: +0.1% WTD
  • Nasdaq Composite: -0.5% WTD
  • S&P MidCap 400: -1.2% WTD
  • Russell 2000: -1.8% WTD

To download the printable version, CLICK HERE.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss.

Data and rates used were indicative of market conditions as of the date shown and compiled by Briefing.com. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation to purchase or sell a security. S&P 500 Index is a market index generally considered representative of the stock market as a whole. The index focuses on the large-cap segment of the U.S. equities market. Each company’s security affects the index in proportion to its market value. NASDAQ Composite Index is a market value-weighted index that measures all NASDAQ domestic and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on the NASDAQ stock market. Dow Jones Industrial Average is a widely used indicator of the overall condition of the stock market, a price-weighted average of 30 actively traded blue chip stocks, primarily industrials, but also includes financial, leisure and other service-oriented firms. Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 3000 Index of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies in terms of market capitalization. MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets.

Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian). PAS is a registered broker/dealer offering competitive investment products, as well as a registered investment advisor offering financial planning and investment advisory services. PAS is a member of FINRA and SIPC.

Provided by Briefing.com.

8076115.22 (Exp. 3/26)

Top