Stocks ended last week mixed as investors navigated the Fed’s rate decision, Treasury yields, oil prices, and the volatile AI trade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.72%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.70%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, skidded 1.32%.1,2 Mixed Markets & Focused On The FedThe S&P 500 fell for a second straight week and ended Friday's session at 7,650.50. The market benchmark is down 0.5% for September but up 12% this year. The Fed's policy-setting committee on Wednesday raised its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points in a unanimous vote to combat sticky inflation. The move lifted the federal funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, the first time the Federal Open Market Committee has tightened monetary policy since July 2023. The Fed's Summary of Economic Projections showed the median policy rate at 4.1% by the end of 2026, up from 3.8% projected in June, signaling another rate increase later this year. The utilities sector had the largest percentage drop this week falling 3%, followed by a 2.35% fall in financials, a 2.3% decline in real estate and a 1.9% slip materials. Industrials, consumer discretionary, energy and consumer staples also moved lower. Constellation Energy (CEG) led the decline in utilities, falling 11% on the week. Last week, the company said it agreed to acquire RISEC Holdings, owner of the Rhode Island State Energy Center, from Shell's (SHEL) North America energy unit, for $715 million. Goldman Sachs (GS) was among the hardest-hit stocks in the financial sector, sliding 8.5%. Earlier this week, the company said its asset management alternatives unit raised $11.7 billion across its newest private equity funds and other vehicles. Nucor (NUE) was among the materials sector's decliners, falling 4.3%, as the steelmaker forecast Q3 earnings per share below analysts' mean estimate at the time. Nucor said its Q3 earnings "are expected to increase in the steel mills and steel products segments, while decreasing in the raw materials segment." Three sectors rose this past week as health care climbed 1.8%, communication services gained 1.2% and technology was up 1.1%. Revvity (RVTY) led the gainers in health care, jumping 15% on the week. The company said it agreed to acquire Human Cell Design. The acquisition is expected to bolster Revvity's Life Sciences portfolio, including GLP-1 therapies, the companies said. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Meta Platforms (META) gave the communication services sector a boost, climbing 2.7% as the Facebook parent launched Meta One, a new subscription service offering enhanced AI capabilities and premium features across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Meta AI. Meta said the subscriptions are part of a broader effort to diversify revenue beyond digital advertising. Earnings reports this week are expected from companies including Costco Wholesale (COST), AutoZone (AZO), Darden Restaurants (DRI), Cintas (CTAS), Paychex (PAYX) and General Mills (GIS). Economic data will include the US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index for September, as well as August new home sales and durable goods. |
 |
Source: YCharts.com, September 19, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points. |
This Week: Key Economic DataTuesday: Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin speaks. Wednesday: Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Manufacturing. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Services. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. New Home Sales. Fed President Barkin speaks. Friday: Durable Goods. U. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; September 18, 2026. 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 provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision. This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsTuesday: AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) Wednesday: Cintas Corporation (CTAS), Paychex, Inc. (PAYS) Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) Source: Zacks, September 18, 2026. 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 goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. 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 their earnings reports without notice. |
 |
"I like thinking big. I always have. To me it's very simple: if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big." – Warren Buffett |
 |
Use AI to Upgrade Your Own PromptsGetting AI to do exactly what you want often takes a few tries, but here's a simple trick to speed things up. Once you land on an output you love, ask AI: "Edit the original prompt so that you can get to this output in one shot." Then update your prompt library with the best suggestions. You'll spend less time going back and forth and more time getting results. Tip adapted from creatoreconomy.so10 How to Take a Vacation Without Leaving HomeVacations provide many benefits and are ideal for relaxing and taking a break from everyday stressors. But sometimes, you can't swing a whole vacation. The good news is that you can still enjoy a little getaway without leaving the comfort of your own home. Here are some fun ways to "get away" without actually getting away:
Whether you want to visit a national park, learn a new language, or try a new recipe, there are countless methods to explore the world from your living room. Tip adapted from Ideas.ted.com11 |
 |
They are captured by mud and snow, left behind but never taken, and rarely seen in isolation. What are they? Last Week's Riddle: A 400-yard long promenade has an ornate brass bench every 100 yards on both sides, including ones at its beginning and end. So in total, how many benches are there along this promenade? Answer: 10 benches, 5 on either side. |
 |
 |
Desert View Point Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, United States |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, September 18, 2026 12. MT Newswires, YCharts.com, September 14-18, 2026 |
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.
U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.
Please consult your financial professional for additional information.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Copyright 2026 FMG Suite.