The S&P 500 index rose 1.22% this week to a record close amid the Federal Reserve's first rate cut of 2025. The S&P 500 ended Friday's session at 6,664.36, its highest closing level ever. The market benchmark also hit a fresh intraday high on Friday at 6,671.82. It is now up 3.2% for the month and 13% for the year. The Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 2.21%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.05%. By contrast, the MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 0.27 percent.1,2 Third Week of Gains for S&P, NasdaqThe Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday reduced its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points, noting increased downside risks to employment and signaling further policy easing later in 2025. This lowered interest rates to a range of 4% to 4.25%. While this was in line with Wall Street's expectations, it sparked a relief rally as it marked the first rate cut since December and follows a weaker-than-expected August payrolls report. Communication services had the largest percentage increase of the week, up 3.4%, followed by a 2.1% climb in technology and a nearly 1.5% gain in consumer discretionary. Industrials and financials also edged higher. Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) had the strongest weekly gain in communication services, rising 5.8%. Google and PayPal (PYPL) announced a multiyear partnership to explore a range of digital commerce solutions. Also, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter, Google will meet the European Union's November deadline to propose changes to its advertising technology business following a $3.5 billion fine, but won't provide a full breakup that was previously requested by the EU and company rivals. In the technology sector, Intel (INTC) shares soared 23% as Nvidia (NVDA) said it will invest $5 billion in Intel stock at $23.28 per share, as part of a collaboration to develop custom data center and personal computing products. On the downside, real estate fell 1.4%, consumer staples shed 1.3% and materials declined 0.9%. Health care, utilities and energy also edged lower. Decliners in real estate included Extra Space Storage (EXR), down 5.3%, and Public Storage (PSA), down 4.6%. |
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Following the FedThe Federal Reserve decision brought the Federal Funds Rate down to a 4-4.25 percent target range—its lowest level in three years. While widely anticipated, the real news about the cut was in the finer points made by Fed Chair Jerome Powell in the post-meeting press conference. He said the move was essentially a “risk management” cut. This concept confused investors a bit, resulting in scattered markets. Powell also said two more rate adjustments are “penciled in” for this year. He suggested another rate change could occur in 2026, followed by another in 2027.8 This Week: Key Economic Data Economic data will include the third estimate of Q2 gross domestic product. Also, August new home sales, existing home sales and durable goods orders are expected, as well as the August personal consumption expenditures price index.
Tuesday: PMI Composite. Fed Officials speak: Michelle Bowman (Vice Chair for Supervision), Raphael Bostic (Atlanta Fed President), and Jerome Powell (Fed Chair) speak. Wednesday: New Home Sales. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly speaks. Thursday: Fed Officials speak: Austan Goolsbee (Chicago Fed President), John Williams, Michelle Bowman, Michael Barr (Fed governor), Lorie Logan (Dallas Fed President), and Mary Daly. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—third estimate. Durable Goods. Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Balance in Goods. Fed Balance Sheet. Retail & Wholesale Inventories. Existing Home Sales. Friday: Personal Consumption and Expenditures (PCE) Index. Consumer Sentiment. Tom Barkin and Michelle Bowman speak. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; September 19, 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 EarningsTuesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) Wednesday: Cintas Corporation (CTAS) Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) Source: Zacks, September 19, 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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“The winter of the spirit must be journeyed through, and it must not only be conquered but the benefits used. Yet without it maturity cannot arrive.” – Jane Roberts |
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Traveling for Work? Here’s What You Need to Know About Business-Related Travel Deductions |
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Meet The Warrior Poses of Yoga |
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What item binds two people yet touches only one? Last Week's Riddle: A train moving as fast as it can go strikes a man’s hand, yet he is uninjured and the train goes off its tracks. Under what circumstances could this happen? |
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Footnotes and Sources1. WSJ.com, September 19, 2025 2. Investing.com, September 19, 2025 3. CNBC.com, September 15, 2025 4. WSJ.com, September 16, 2025 5. WSJ.com, September 17, 2025 6. CNBC.com, September 18, 2025 7. CNBC.com, September 19, 2025 8. CNBC.com, September 17, 2025 9. IRS.gov, December 5, 2024 10. Yoga Basics, March 20, 2025 11. MT Newswires, Ycharts.com Sept 15-19, 2025 |
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