Market Strategy

Wednesday's expected decision on interest rates from the Federal Reserve, along with earnings from several large tech and entertainment companies, could highlight a busy week ahead for investors.

U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday, rounding out a strong week as investors assessed ongoing developments in global trade and saw renewed strength in major tech shares. The S&P 500 rose 0.74% to close at 5,525.21, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.26% to finish at 17,282.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lagged behind, ending just 20 points higher, or 0.05%, at 40,113.50.

Earnings and Fed speakers are some of this week's big attractions, with some Magnificent Seven companies set to report results after a holiday-shortened week that saw the major US indexes finish in the red.

More big banks are set to report earnings this week, along with entertainment and health care giants, after some of the world's biggest banks reported earnings Friday and markets capped off a volatile trading week as investors reacted to the latest announcements on tariffs.

March inflation data and Big Bank earnings are among the major items on this week’s economic calendar as investors look for signals about what's next for markets following a chaotic end to last week.

U.S. stocks ended slightly higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 snapping a four-week losing streak that had been driven by concerns over trade tensions, recession risks, and weakness in large-cap tech stocks.

A Federal Reserve interest-rate decision, comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and the Fed's “dot plot” interest-rate projections will likely be in the spotlight this week, with retail sales data also due for release as businesses brace for the impact of tariffs.

Stocks ended higher on Friday, capping off a turbulent week and a losing month for major indexes. Markets briefly pulled back during the session following a tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which heightened geopolitical concerns. However, stocks regained momentum, rallying into the close.

Stocks tumbled on Friday as fresh US economic data fueled investor concerns over slowing growth and persistent inflation, prompting a flight to safer assets.

Stock and bond markets are closed Monday for the Presidents Day holiday. Walmart (WMT) earnings are expected to highlight the week. U.S.-traded Chinese e-commerce firms Alibaba (BABA) and Baidu (BIDU) are also scheduled to report, as well as online used-auto retailer Carvana (CVNA) and electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive (RIVN). 

Stocks fell sharply on Friday as concerns over tariffs and inflation weighed on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped 444 points, or 0.99%, to 44,303, while the S&P 500 slid 0.95% to 6,026, and the Nasdaq lost 1.36% to 19,523. All three major indexes ended the week in negative territory.

The S&P 500 fell on Friday after reports that President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs on key US trading partners would take effect on Saturday. The index slipped 0.50% to close at 6,040.53, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 337.47 points, or 0.75%, pressured by a decline in Chevron (CVX). The Dow ended the session at 44,544.66. The Nasdaq Composite, which is heavily weighted toward tech stocks, edged down 0.28% to 19,627.44.