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Okun's Observations | Fed Ups Rates; Investors Ponder AI, Oil
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 0.09 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.72...
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Okun's Observations| CPI Holds Steady; Investors Await Fed Action
Stocks fell over a shortened trading week as higher oil prices rattled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.80 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.66 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1...
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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...
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Okun'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....
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Okun'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...
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Okun'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...
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Okun'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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