Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed. Stocks Up for Third Straight WeekThe S&P 500 index rose more than 0.7% this week, led by the information technology and consumer discretionary sectors amid an onslaught of quarterly earnings, a monetary policy announcement and the China trade deal. The S&P 500 ended Friday's session at 6,840.20, bringing quarter-to-date gains to 2.3% and year-to-date growth to more than 16%. Five members of the so-called Magnificent 7 group, which compose more than a third of the S&P 500, reported earnings on Wednesday and Thursday. Shares of Amazon ( AMZN ) ended the week 8.9% higher, followed by Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), which jumped 8.2%, and Apple (AAPL), which climbed 2.9%. Meta Platforms ( META ) shares fell more than 12% during the week, and Microsoft ( MSFT ) declined 1.1%, reflecting the impact of their planned capital expenditures related to artificial intelligence. US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday to finalize a one-year trade agreement between the world's largest economies that is expected to be routinely extended. China agreed to resume purchases of US soybeans, keep rare-earth exports flowing and crack down on the illicit trade of fentanyl. The US, meanwhile, will halve the tariff rate on the Asian nation related to fentanyl, cutting the overall levy to about 47%. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut interest rates by 25 basis points, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell said another reduction in December is not set in stone. "In the committee's discussions at this meeting, there were strongly differing views about how to proceed in December," he said. "A further reduction in the policy rate at the December meeting is not a forgone conclusion -- far from it." The information technology sector had the largest percentage gain this week, up 3%, followed by a 2.8% increase in the consumer discretionary peer group. Four out of 11 sectors rose, with real estate declining 3.9% and materials shedding 3.7%, respectively. Within the information technology sector, Teradyne ( TER ) led the pack after reporting Q3 results that beat the Street's expectations, and its Q4 guidance came in above analysts' projections. Shares jumped 26% this week. The top gainer in consumer discretionary was Amazon ( AMZN ), which reported Q3 earnings and sales that outpaced analysts' estimates. Morgan Stanley said in a Friday note that Amazon ( AMZN ) is poised to see faster growth in its web services business due to expanding data center capacity, increasing chip availability and surging backlog. On the downside, shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( ARE ) in the real estate sector sank 25% this week as Q3 adjusted funds from operations and revenue fell. The company also lowered the midpoint of its adjusted FFO outlook for the full-year 2025. |
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This Week: Key Economic Data Monday: PMI Composite–Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. Construction Spending.* Auto Sales. Fed governor Lisa Cook speaks. Tuesday: Trade Deficit.* Factory Orders.Job Openings. Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. PMI Composite–Services. ISM Services. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.* Productivity.* Wholesale Inventories.* Federal Reserve Officials speak: New York Fed President Williams, Philadelphia Fed President Paulson, St. Louis Fed President Musalem. Friday: Jobs Report.* Consumer Sentiment. Consumer Credit. Dallas Fed President Logan speaks. * Data for these indicators may be delayed or altogether unavailable due to the government shutdown. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; October 31, 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 EarningsMonday: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX) Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Shopify Inc. (SHOP), Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Spotify Technology (SPOT) Wednesday: McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), AppLovin Corporation (APP), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD), DoorDash, Inc. (DASH), McKesson Corporation (MCK) Thursday: ConocoPhillips (COP), Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH) Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A / BRK.B), Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG), KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR), Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) Source: Zacks, October 31, 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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“Thinking about what you can't control only wastes energy and creates its own enemy.” – Sandy Fries |
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The Two Types of IRS Volunteer ProgramsEvery year, IRS-certified volunteers help people file their tax returns. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of tax preparation, earn continuing education credits, or contribute to their community. The IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. VITA offers free help to people earning $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE is primarily for people aged 60 or older. Although the program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors, most taxpayers can get free assistance. 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 |
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4 Potential Benefits of Aloe VeraAloe vera is a remarkably robust plant. Not only is it safe to eat and used in many cosmetic products, but it also has many benefits that stem (pun intended) outside its typical uses. Here are four potential benefits of Aloe vera:
In addition to the above benefits, many people use Aloe vera to soothe sunburns, dry skin, and cuts. Tip adapted from Every Day Health10 |
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Stick your fingers in my eyes, then move them and watch my jaws open wide. What am I? Last Week's Riddle: If used in an emergency, I can help the hero – yet when you multiply all the numbers on my face, all you get is zero. What am I? Answer: A phone. |
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Hermit Crab, Almería, Spain |
Footnotes and Sources1. WSJ.com, October 31, 2025 2. Investing.com, October 31, 2025 3. CNBC.com, October 27, 2025 4. CNBC.com, October 28, 2025 5. WSJ.com, October 29, 2025 6. CNBC.com, October 30, 2025 7. CNBC.com, October 31, 2025 8. WSJ.com, October 29, 2025 9. IRS.gov, April 1, 2025 10. EveryDayHealth.com, June 11, 2025 12. MT Newswires, YCharts.com Oct. 27 - 31, 2025 |
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