Stocks were mixed last week as investors fretted over hot inflation reports, which offset the move in chipmaker stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.08%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 1.77%.1,2 Volatile WeekThe S&P 500 index edged up about 0.1% last week, its seventh consecutive weekly gain, as a strong advance in energy stocks helped outweigh declines in other sectors. The S&P 500 ended the week at 7,408.50, up slightly on the week but down from the new closing high it reached Thursday at 7,501.24. The market benchmark also hit a new intraday high on Thursday at 7,517.12. The seven-week win streak is the index's longest since a nine-week run that ended in December 2023. The S&P 500 is now up 2.8% for the month and has climbed 8.2% in 2026. The week's advance was driven by gains in only four of the S&P 500's 11 sectors, led by energy amid surging oil prices on the back of renewed Middle East worries. Consumer staples, technology and health care also rose this week. Declines across the remaining seven sectors came amid inflation concerns. US annual consumer inflation accelerated in April to the fastest pace in almost three years as energy prices surged amid the near-complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, data released this week showed. Another report showed US producer prices in April rose at the fastest pace in four years as broad-based increases in services and goods signaled intensifying inflation pressures. The energy sector jumped 6.8%, followed by gains of at least 1% each in consumer staples, technology and health care. Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and Targa Resources (TRGP) had the largest percentage gains in the energy sector for the week, rising 12% and 9.6%, respectively. The climb in consumer staples was led by shares of tobacco companies Philip Morris International (PM) and Altria Group (MO), which added 11% and 7.3%, respectively. The technology sector's gain came amid enthusiasm for artificial intelligence as Cisco Systems (CSCO) reported higher-than-expected quarterly results, boosted by strong demand for its AI infrastructure. Cisco's shares jumped 22% as the company reported fiscal Q3 earnings and sales above market expectations and raised its full-year guidance. On the downside, consumer discretionary fell 3.1%, followed by a 2.6% drop in real estate, a 2.3% loss in materials, and a 2.1% decline in utilities. Industrials fell 1.1% while communication services and financials also edged lower. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) was among the hardest-hit stocks in consumer discretionary. The cruise operator's shares fell 9.1% as TD Cowen cut its price target on the stock to $22 each from $27. The firm kept its investment rating on the shares at buy |
 |
Source: YCharts.com, May 16, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 11, to Friday, May 15. 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. |
Inflation in FocusBoth retail and wholesale inflation rose faster than expected in April, heavily influenced by higher energy prices. The CPI increased 3.8% year over year in April, up from 3.3% in March. Fuel oil alone climbed 54% year over year, while gasoline jumped 28%. In fact, over 40% of the 0.6% month-over-month gain was driven by energy inflation.8 Inflation also showed up in wholesale prices. The Producer Price Index rose 6% over the prior 12 months in April, also a 3-year high. Month over month, PPI rose 1.4% (a 4-year high) versus the 0.5% increase expected.9 This Week: Key Economic DataTuesday: Pending Home Sales. Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson speaks. Wednesday: Minutes from Fed’s May FOMC Meeting. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Housing Starts. Building Permits. Purchasing Managers Index—Services. Purchasing Managers Index—Manufacturing. Friday: Consumer Sentiment. Leading Economic Indicators. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; May 15, 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: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), Intuit Inc. (INTU) Thursday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), Deere & Company (DE) Source: Zacks, May 15, 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. |
 |
"One does not fall "in" or "out" of love. One grows in love." – Leo Buscaglia |
 |
Your Plans This Summer May Be Eligible for Itemized DeductionsThese activities can be itemized as deductions if you have plans to sell or buy a home this summer or to donate some old items. Here are some examples: If you are refinancing your home this summer, you can deduct some of your mortgage interest. However, there are some limits to these deductions. According to the IRS, the deduction is limited to interest paid on a loan secured by the taxpayer’s primary or secondary residence. When refinancing, you must use the loan to purchase, build, or substantially improve your primary or secondary residence. If you buy a new home this summer, you can deduct mortgage insurance if you pay $750,000 in qualifying debt for a first and second home, or $375,000 when married and filing separately. Summer is an ideal time to sort through your belongings and donate any unwanted clothes, furniture, or household goods. If you itemize the deductions and provide proof of the donations, these donations may qualify for a tax deduction. In addition to donating items, you can deduct mileage on your vehicle for services performed for a qualifying charity. This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues. Tip adapted from IRS.gov10 |
 |
Zero-Waste Skincare: Fight Back Against PlasticSingle-use bathroom products, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, contribute to the tons of plastic we dispose of daily. These bottles are frequently difficult or impossible to recycle. Next time you shop for a beauty product, consider choosing a zero-waste option. These options use biodegradable packaging to reduce landfill trash as much as possible. The idea is not to live like a "sustainability saint" but instead to do a small part to promote the future of our planet. Tip adapted from Sustainable Jungle11 |
 |
Wilbert was driving a black car. The car’s lights were off, there was no moonlight – and a cat was in the middle of the road. How did Wilbert know to stop? Last Week's Riddle: They have wings. As they grow up, they also grow down. What are they? Answer: Geese. |
 |
 |
Lontra Canadensis(North American river otters) Florida, United States |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, May 15, 2026 12. MT Newswires, YCharts.com, May 11 - May 15, 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.