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Okun's Observations | Chip Rally Lifts the Week
Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreOkun's Observations | Markets Close Quarter Strong, Shrug Off Weak Jobs Report.
Markets notched a solid gain over a shortened trading week as investors cheered ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.77 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.12 percent....
Read MoreOkun's Observations | Tech Steps Back. Banks, Healthcare, and Industrials Step Forward
Stocks ended mixed as falling oil prices helped lift the Dow Industrials, while concerns about AI valuation put pressure on the broader market. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded...
Read MoreOkun's Observations | U.S.-Iran Agreement Sends Oil Tumbling, Stocks Rising
Stocks rose over the shortened trading week as investors digested developments in the Middle East while the Fed held short-term rates steady. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.93 percent through Thursday’s close, while the Nasdaq...
Read MoreOkun's Observations | Peace Talks and Moonshot IPO Rescue the Week
Stocks moved higher last week as inflation jitters gave way to investor enthusiasm over Middle East diplomatic efforts and the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO). The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.65 percent, while the...
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Okun's Observations | Markets Stumble, But the Jobs Picture Stays Bright
Stocks slumped last week as investors winced over the potential for oil-shock inflation and concerns that strong jobs data could lead to higher interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32 percent, while the Standard...
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