Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise on Earnings, Despite Tariffs

Chad Kunc | August 11, 2025

Stocks rebounded last week as investor optimism for a September rate adjustment and strong Q2 corporate results overcame the rollout of fresh tariffs.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 3.87 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.35 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 2.77 percent.^1,2

Stocks Gyrate

Stocks pushed higher to start the week, with major averages gaining between 1.3 percent and 2 percent—their best day since May. Investors seemed more optimistic for a rate move after the weaker-than-expected July jobs report.^3,4

Stocks rose again midweek after the White House confirmed a mega-cap tech company would invest $500 billion more in domestic manufacturing. News of additional tariffs on India was greeted with a muted reaction from investors.⁵

The updated tariffs previously announced by the White House went into effect on Thursday. Markets initially rose in early trading but then came under pressure as the day continued.⁶

But the S&P and Dow rose again on Friday, ending the week with solid gains. The tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the week with a record close.⁷

Economy Watch

Services comprise 70 percent of the economy, so Wall Street closely monitors the Institute for Supply Management’s Services Index.

So, news on Tuesday that growth in services came below economists’ expectations was a bit of a concern. However, investors seemed to quickly look past the number and focus more on the 122 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings last week.^8,9

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Budget.

Wednesday: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speaks. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Producer Price Index (PPI). Fed Balance Sheet. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin speaks.

Friday: Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Import & Export Prices. Business Inventories. Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; August 8, 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

Wednesday: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Thursday: Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), Deere & Company (DE), NetEase, Inc. (NTES)

^{Source: Zacks, August 8, 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.}

“We should all do something to right the wrongs that we see and not just complain about them.”

– Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Using the IRS2Go App

Did you know that the IRS has an app that makes checking some things off your tax to-do list easy? Using the app, you can:

Check your refund status. Your refund status is available within 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return (or four weeks after receiving a paper return).
Access IRS Free File. Free File is a tax prep software for taxpayers whose total adjusted gross income was $84,000 or less.
Find payment options, including IRS Direct Pay, which allows you to pay tax bills directly from your bank account.
Get tax help.
Stay up to date with updates from the IRS.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

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Dates

Do you have a sweet tooth but want to limit refined sugar? Dates are just the answer! These nutrient-rich powerhouses are sweet, succulent, and good for you!

Dates are high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B6, among many other nutrients. They are also high in antioxidants and may promote brain, bone, and blood sugar control.

Dates are easy to add to your diet. Snack on them, add them to dishes as a natural sweetener, or blend them in a smoothie. These nutritious and delicious treats are perfect for kicking cookies and cakes without giving up an indulgent taste.

Tip Adapted from Healthline¹¹

What is worn by the foot and often bought by the yard?

Last Week's Riddle: They can run side by side for thousands of miles; they are made of steel. While they constantly touch the ground, they seldom meet or touch each other. What are they?
Answer: Railroad tracks.

Lotus Temple
Delhi, India

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, August 8, 2025}

^{2. Investing.com, August 8, 2025}

^{3. MarketWatch.com, August 4, 2025}

^{4. CNBC.com, August 5, 2025}

^{5. CNBC.com, August 6, 2025}

^{6. WSJ.com, August 7, 2025}

^{7. WSJ.com, August 8, 2025}

^{8. WSJ.com, August 5, 2025}

^{9. Advantage.FactSet.com, August 1, 2025}

^{10. IRS.gov, April 18, 2024}

^{11. Healthline, March 19, 2025}

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.

The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the Nasdaq stock market and considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

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