NYC Skyline

Modest weekly gains as market awaits FOMC decision

The stock market ended the week modestly higher, with the major averages grinding upward despite uneven sector leadership and shifting rate expectations ahead of next week’s FOMC decision. 

The S&P 500 gained 0.3%, the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.9%, and the DJIA added 0.5%, while small- and mid-cap stocks also participated, with the Russell 2000 up 0.8% and the S&P Mid Cap 400 up 0.4%.

Technology and growth areas helped support the broader market, highlighted by a handful of solid weekly performances from mega-cap names. High-beta stocks also outperformed, signaling a continued willingness among investors to take on risk despite pockets of weakness in defensive sectors.

Sector leadership was mixed but tilted toward cyclical and growth-oriented areas. The Information technology and energy sectors both advanced 1.4% for the week, while the communication services (+0.8%) and consumer discretionary (+0.8%) posted more modest gains. In contrast, the health care (–2.7%), utilities (–4.5%), and consumer staples (–1.4%) sectors underperformed, extending the rotation away from defensives that has been building in recent weeks.

The broader tone of the week reflected a market that remains generally constructive but as investors continued to position cautiously ahead of the December FOMC meeting. Rate-cut expectations for next week held steady, and equities ultimately found enough support from semiconductors, mega-caps, and improved risk appetite to deliver a modestly positive weekly finish.

  • Nasdaq Composite: +0.9%
  • Russell 2000: +0.8%
  • DJIA: +0.5%
  • S&P Mid Cap 400: +0.4%
  • S&P 500: +0.3%

 

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.

8076115.25 (Exp. 4/26)

Top