Weekly Market Insights | Markets Rise, Fed Cautious

Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed.
 
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.71 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 2.24 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.75 percent. By contrast, the MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 0.55 percent.^1,2

Stocks Up for Third Straight Week

Stocks rose over the first half of the week on news that Chinese and U.S. officials were working on a trade deal. Meanwhile, a rise in AI-related tech names lifted the broader market ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. All three major averages notched record closing highs for the first two days of the week, including the S&P 500 closing above 6800 for the first time.^3,4

Stocks continued their rise Wednesday morning as the AI trade continued to fuel momentum. But markets wobbled following the FOMC’s decision to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. Chair Powell’s comments that the Fed may not adjust rates in December cut short the market's rally.^5,6

Stocks bounced out of the gate on Friday, with the Nasdaq leading gains for all three major averages as several megacap tech companies rallied on upbeat Q3 results and other corporate news.⁷

‘Not a Foregone Conclusion’

As widely expected, the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates by 0.25 percent. But as often happens for those trying to read the Fed tea leaves, it was the finer messaging points that moved the markets.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in his post-meeting press conference that another rate adjustment in December was “not a foregone conclusion.” He added that Fed policy is “not on a pre-set course.” Part of that, he said, was due to the ongoing government shutdown and the resulting dearth of economic data—and the challenge in setting monetary policy without ongoing reports.⁸

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: PMI Composite–Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. Construction Spending.* Auto Sales. Fed governor Lisa Cook speaks.

Tuesday:  Trade Deficit.* Factory Orders.Job Openings.

Wednesday:  ADP Employment Report. PMI Composite–Services. ISM Services.

Thursday:  Weekly Jobless Claims.* Productivity.* Wholesale Inventories.* Federal Reserve Officials speak: New York Fed President Williams, Philadelphia Fed President Paulson, St. Louis Fed President Musalem.

Friday:  Jobs Report.* Consumer Sentiment. Consumer Credit. Dallas Fed President Logan speaks.

^{* Data for these indicators may be delayed or altogether unavailable due to the government shutdown.}

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; October 31, 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: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Shopify Inc. (SHOP), Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Spotify Technology (SPOT)

Wednesday: McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), AppLovin Corporation (APP), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD), DoorDash, Inc. (DASH), McKesson Corporation (MCK)

Thursday: ConocoPhillips (COP), Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH)

Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A / BRK.B), Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG), KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR), Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)

^{Source: Zacks, October 31, 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.}

“Thinking about what you can't control only wastes energy and creates its own enemy.”

– Sandy Fries

The Two Types of IRS Volunteer Programs

Every year, IRS-certified volunteers help people file their tax returns. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of tax preparation, earn continuing education credits, or contribute to their community. 

The IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. VITA offers free help to people earning $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE is primarily for people aged 60 or older. Although the program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors, most taxpayers can get free assistance.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. 

Tip adapted from IRS⁹

4 Potential Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a remarkably robust plant. Not only is it safe to eat and used in many cosmetic products, but it also has many benefits that stem (pun intended) outside its typical uses. 

Here are four potential benefits of Aloe vera:

• One study found that Aloe vera is as effective as mouthwash at reducing plaque.
• Aloe vera flower and leaf extracts may have antioxidant properties.
• Aloe vera may help lower blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Aloe may help with burn wounds. Patients with burn wounds treated with Aloe vera healed significantly quicker than those not treated with Aloe vera.

In addition to the above benefits, many people use Aloe vera to soothe sunburns, dry skin, and cuts. 

Tip adapted from Every Day Health¹⁰

Stick your fingers in my eyes, then move them and watch my jaws open wide. What am I?

Last Week's Riddle: If used in an emergency, I can help the hero – yet when you multiply all the numbers on my face, all you get is zero. What am I?

Answer: A phone.

Hermit Crab, Almería, Spain 

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, October 31, 2025}

^{2. Investing.com, October 31, 2025}

^{3. CNBC.com, October 27, 2025}

^{4. CNBC.com, October 28, 2025}

^{5. WSJ.com, October 29, 2025}

^{6. CNBC.com, October 30, 2025}

^{7. CNBC.com, October 31, 2025}

^{8. WSJ.com, October 29, 2025}

^{9. IRS.gov, April 1, 2025}

^{10. EveryDayHealth.com, June 11, 2025}