Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4.25 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.82 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 3.04 percent.1,2 Stocks Push HigherLast week opened with a rally powered by news of a tamer-than-expected escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Stocks continued their rise after this week's ceasefire agreement, although Wall Street appeared concerned about whether the truce would remain in place.3,4 Sentiment brightened after the White House played down the approaching July 8 tariff deadlines. Solid corporate earnings, a still-strong labor market, and a recovery in artificial intelligence-related stocks provided some underlying strength to the rally.5 As the week wrapped up, the S&P 500 hit its first new high since February—it marked the fastest-ever recovery from a 15-percent decline for the broad-market index. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite also closed at an all-time high.6,7 |
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Economic Data Helped, TooWhile trade and Middle East updates powered most of the markets’ rise last week, a few economic bits of news also contributed to the week-long rally. For example, consumer sentiment climbed 16 percent in May—its first increase in six months.8,9 “The improvement was broadbased across numerous facets of the economy, with expectations for personal finances and business conditions climbing about 20% or more,” the University of Michigan said in a statement. This Week: Key Economic Data Monday: Fed Officials Raphael Bostic and Austan Goolsbee speak. Tuesday: Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks. ISM Manufacturing Index. Construction Spending. Job Openings. Wednesday: Motor Vehicle Sales. ADP Employment Report. Thursday: U.S. Employment Report. International Trade in Goods & Services. Fed Official Raphael Bostic speaks. Factory Orders. ISM Services Index. 10-Year Treasury Note Announcement. Federal Balance Sheet. Friday: MARKET HOLIDAY Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; June 27, 2025 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsTuesday: Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ) Source: Zacks, June 27, 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. |
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“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly.” – Buckminster Fuller |
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How to Find Tax Help in Other LanguagesThe IRS currently translates important and helpful tax information using seven languages, including:
Some multilingual resources include The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, important filing information, e-file resources, forms and publications, and the IRS2Go mobile app. To access information in these languages, taxpayers can click on the English dropdown tab in the top menu on the IRS.gov home page. The dropdown will list the other languages where taxpayers can view IRS.gov pages. In addition, the IRS offers interpreter services in more than 350 languages. This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. Tip adapted from IRS10 |
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What is Pickleball?Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and for a good reason! The game is easy to play, great exercise, and you can play at many levels. Pickleball combines tennis, ping pong, and badminton elements to create an addictive and fun sport. To play, you hit a Wiffle ball (a plastic ball with holes) with a paddle on a badminton-sized court. Pickleball has some unique rules, but it offers simple gameplay and is deeply enjoyable overall. If you want to start playing pickleball, check out your local parks and tennis courts! Increasingly, areas offer open play, rec leagues, and lessons for players of all levels. Tip adapted from USA Pickleball11 |
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It can be told, played, and cracked, and it can even be practical. What is it? Last Week's Riddle: What do the words civic and level have in common? |
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Osaka, Japan |
Footnotes and Sources1. WSJ.com, June 27, 2025 2. Investing.com, June 27, 2025 3. CNBC.com, June 23, 2025 4. CNBC.com, June 24, 2025 5. WSJ.com, June 18, 2025 6. WSJ.com, June 27, 2025 7. WSJ.com, June 27, 2025 8. WSJ.com, June 24, 2025 9. UMich.edu, June 27, 2025 10. IRS.gov, November 18, 2024 11. USA Pickleball, December 12, 2024 |
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.
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