Weekly Market Insights | Trade Tension Down, Economic Data Up

Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, picked up 0.78 percent.^1,2

S&P 500 Closes Above 6,000 (Again)

Early in the week, markets notched steady gains as investors awaited key economic indicators and monitored ongoing trade discussions. Megacap tech names—particularly AI chipmakers—led the broader market higher, as sentiment stayed bullish on prospects for a U.S.-China trade deal.³

Midweek, however, concerns over tariffs and a notable decline in one megacap tech stock slowed overall market momentum. Recent conversations between the U.S. and Chinese leadership helped investors envision progress toward a trade deal between the two nations.^4,5

On Friday, stocks pushed higher following the release of the May jobs report, which showed an addition of 139,000 jobs, above expectations of 125,000. The S&P 500 closed above 6,000 for the first time since February—a key psychological hurdle for some market participants. And the Dow erased all its 2025 year-to-date losses.^6,7

Jobs & Trade

Amid considerable market noise, stocks pushed higher last week. Here are three takeaways:

• First, the upbeat jobs report was strong enough to ease some economic concerns.
  
  
• Second, the jobs report showed that the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent, and wage growth increased by 3.9 percent year-over-year. These figures also helped ease slowdown fears.⁷
  
  
• Last, despite some political squabbles, trade talks progressed this week, with the U.S. striking a deal with Germany while continuing to move forward with China.⁸

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Wholesale Inventories.

Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index.

Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Budget. 10-Year Treasury Note Auction.

Thursday: Jobless Claims (weekly). Purchaser Price Index (PPI). 30-Year Treasury Note Auction.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; June 6, 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: Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Thursday: Adobe Inc. (ADBE)

^{Source: Zacks, June 6, 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.}

“The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested.”

– Katie Couric

How to Check the Status of Your Federal Tax Refund

Filing taxes has become more seamless in recent years due to e-filing. It's also easy to check the status of your refund if you anticipate one. The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? where taxpayers can check the status of their refund within 24 hours of the IRS acknowledging the taxpayer's e-filed return. You can also see a personalized refund date after the return is processed.

You can access the tool online on the IRS website or via their app. It has three phases: return received, refund approved, and refund sent. The IRS recommends setting up direct deposit to receive your refund even faster. The tool is updated once a day.

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

Channel Your Inner Cat and Cow

The cat-cow stretch is fantastic for your back, pelvis, neck, and more. Plus, it's simple to learn and simple to do!

First, start with your hands and knees on the floor. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be hip-width apart. You can do the cat-cow stretch on a mat or carpeted floor.

Next, inhale a deep breath, arch your back, tilt your pelvis downward, and look to the ceiling. Don't force your neck too far up.

Then, exhale a big breath and curve your back (like a scary Halloween cat). Tuck your chin into your chest and pull your pelvis up as you curve your back.

The goal is to move through these movements with your breath.

Tip adapted from Very Well Fit¹⁰

Three playing cards lie face down on a table. A jack is to the left of a queen. To the left of a spade is a diamond. A king is left of a heart. A spade is right of a king. What are the three cards?

Last Week's Riddle: When I change my jacket, I make a loud noise and become larger but weigh less. What am I?
Answer: Popcorn.

Bengal Tiger and Cub, Bandhavgarh National Park
Madhya Pradesh, India

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, June 6, 2025}

^{2. Investing.com, June 6, 2025}

^{3. CNBC.com, June 3, 2025}

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

^{5. MarketWatch.com, June 5, 2025}

^{6. MarketWatch.com, June 6, 2025}

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

^{8. MarketWatch.com, June 6, 2025}

^{9. IRS.gov, September 20, 2024}

^{10. Very Well Fit, December 12, 2024}