Last week was a volatile one for stocks, largely in response to mixed economic data, corporate earnings reports, and the anticipation of a key speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the end of the week. The benchmark indexes listed here ebbed and flowed for much of the week until last Friday, when equities surged after Powell hinted at a likely interest rate cut in September. The S&P 500, the Russell 2000, and the Global Dow each posted weekly gains, with the Dow reaching a record high last Friday. The NASDAQ ended the week in the red despite an end-of-week rally. Treasury yields edged higher earlier in the week, but the prospects of an interest rate cut pulled yields lower by week’s end. Crude oil prices posted their first weekly gain after falling in each of the past two weeks.
Stock Market Indexes
Market/Index
2024 Close
Prior Week
As of 8/22
Weekly Change
YTD Change
DJIA
42,544.22
44,946.12
45,631.74
1.53%
7.26%
NASDAQ
19,310.79
21,622.98
21,496.54
-0.58%
11.32%
S&P 500
5,881.63
6,449.80
6,466.91
0.27%
9.95%
Russell 2000
2,230.16
2,286.52
2,361.95
3.30%
5.91%
Global Dow
4,863.01
5,724.32
5,781.00
0.99%
18.88%
fed. funds target rate
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
0 bps
0 bps
10-year Treasuries
4.57%
4.32%
4.26%
-6 bps
-31 bps
US Dollar-DXY
108.44
97.86
97.72
-0.14%
-9.89%
Crude Oil-CL=F
$71.76
$63.12
$63.76
1.01%
-11.15%
Gold-GC=F
$2,638.50
$3,382.00
$3,417.00
1.03%
29.51%
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.
Last Week’s Economic News
The number of issued residential building permits fell 2.8% in July and was down 5.7% from July 2024. The number of single-family building permits in July was 0.5% above the June estimate. Housing starts in July were 5.2% above the revised June estimate and 12.9% higher than the July 2024 rate. Single-family housing starts in July were 2.8% above the revised June estimate. The number of housing completions in July was 6.0% above the revised June estimate but was 13.5% below the July 2024 rate. Single-family housing completions in July were 11.6% above the revised June figure.
Sales of existing homes rose 2.0% in July, reflecting a slight improvement in housing affordability. Existing home sales were up 0.8% from July 2024. Inventory of existing homes ticked down from a supply of 4.7 months in June to 4.6 months last month. The median existing-home price was $422,400 in July, down from $432,700 in June but 0.2% above the July 2024 estimate of $421,400. Sales of existing single-family homes also rose 2.0% in July and were up 1.1% over the last 12 months. The median existing single-family home price was $428,500 in July, lower than the June estimate of $438,600 but higher than the July 2024 figure of $427,200. Inventory of existing single-family homes in July sat at a 4.5-month supply.
The national average retail price for regular gasoline was $3.125 per gallon on August 18, $0.007 per gallon above the prior week’s price but $0.257 per gallon less than a year ago. Also, as of August 18, the East Coast price decreased $0.008 to $2.997 per gallon; the Midwest price fell $0.003 to $2.994 per gallon; the Gulf Coast price rose $0.065 to $2.745 per gallon; the Rocky Mountain price increased $0.005 to $3.164 per gallon; and the West Coast price rose $0.012 to $4.044 per gallon.
For the week ended August 16, there were 235,000 new claims for unemployment insurance, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week’s level. According to the Department of Labor, the advance rate for insured unemployment claims for the week ended August 9 was 1.3%, unchanged from the previous week’s rate. The advance number of those receiving unemployment insurance benefits during the week ended August 9 was 1,972,000, an increase of 30,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised down by 11,000. This was the highest level for insured unemployment since November 6, 2021, when it was 2,041,000. States and territories with the highest insured unemployment rates for the week ended August 2 were New Jersey (2.7%), Puerto Rico (2.6%), Rhode Island (2.5%), Minnesota (2.2%), California (2.1%), the District of Columbia (2.1%), Massachusetts (2.1%), Washington (2.1%), Oregon (1.9%), and Pennsylvania (1.9%). The largest increases in initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended August 9 were in California (+741), New York (+630), Rhode Island (+570), Michigan (+527), and Maryland (+343), while the largest decreases were in Iowa (-704), Illinois (-334), New Jersey (-251), Pennsylvania (-158), and Oregon (-153).
Eye on the Week Ahead
This week reveals the second iteration of gross domestic product for the second quarter. The initial estimate of GDP had the economy growing at a rate of 3.0%. Also out this week is the July report on personal income and expenditures. Included in that report are the estimates of consumer spending and prices for consumer goods, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation.
Stocks enjoyed another winning week, despite a pullback last Friday. Overall, investor sentiment remained optimistic due to continued expectations of an interest rate reduction by the Federal Reserve next month. The latest data (see below) revealed that inflationary pressures showed signs of moving higher. Retail sales advanced in July, as expected, as summer spending remained solid, although sales in some sectors exposed to higher tariffs declined. In addition, more tariffs could be forthcoming after President Trump said he would announce tariffs on imports of steel and semiconductor chips in the coming weeks. Health care outperformed among the market sectors, while industrials, real estate, and utilities declined. Bond yields held around 4.3% for most of the week. Crude oil prices declined as traders awaited the outcome of talks between Presidents Trump and Putin, with expectations that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could lead to increased Russian oil production.
Stock Market Indexes
Market/Index
2024 Close
Prior Week
As of 8/15
Weekly Change
YTD Change
DJIA
42,544.22
44,175.61
44,946.12
1.74%
5.65%
NASDAQ
19,310.79
21,450.02
21,622.98
0.81%
11.97%
S&P 500
5,881.63
6,389.45
6,449.80
0.94%
9.66%
Russell 2000
2,230.16
2,218.42
2,286.52
3.07%
2.53%
Global Dow
4,863.01
5,615.85
5,724.32
1.93%
17.71%
fed. funds target rate
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
0 bps
0 bps
10-year Treasuries
4.57%
4.28%
4.32%
4 bps
-25 bps
US Dollar-DXY
108.44
98.26
97.86
-0.41%
-9.76%
Crude Oil-CL=F
$71.76
$63.44
$63.12
-0.50%
-12.04%
Gold-GC=F
$2,638.50
$3,452.40
$3,382.00
-2.04%
28.18%
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.
Last Week’s Economic News
The Consumer Price Index for July rose 0.2% after increasing 0.3% the prior month. Shelter prices rose 0.2% in July and were the primary factor in the monthly increase. In July, food prices were unchanged from the previous month, while energy prices fell 1.1%. Prices less food and energy (core prices) advanced 0.3% in July (0.2% in June). Over the last 12 months, consumer prices have risen 2.7%, unchanged from the same period ended in June. Core prices rose 3.1% for the 12 months ended in July, up 0.2 percentage point from the June figure.
The Producer Price Index rose 0.9% in July after being unchanged in June. Producer prices advanced 3.3% for the 12 months ended in July, the largest 12-month increase since rising 3.4% in February 2025. A 1.1% increase in prices for services accounted for more than 75% of the overall increase in prices. Goods prices rose 0.7% last month. In July, producer prices less foods and energy rose 0.4%, while prices less foods, energy, and trade services advanced 0.6%. This report may evidence a jump in consumer prices down the line as higher tariffs are passed through.
Retail sales rose 0.5% in July and were 3.9% above the July 2024 estimate. Retail trade sales were up 0.7% last month and 3.7% from last year. Nonstore (online) retailer sales were up 0.8% from June and 8.0% from last year. Sales at food services and drinking places fell 0.4% in July but were up 5.6% from a year ago.
U.S. import prices increased 0.4% in July, while export prices ticked up 0.1%. Since July 2024, import prices declined 0.2%, while export prices advanced 2.2%.
Industrial production (IP) edged down 0.1% in July. Manufacturing output was unchanged after increasing 0.3% in June. In July, mining declined 0.4% and utilities decreased 0.2%. Total IP in July was 1.4% above its year-earlier level. Since July 2024, manufacturing increased 1.4%, mining rose 1.9%, and utilities advanced 0.8%.
The Treasury deficit for July was $291 billion. July has been a deficit month 69 times out of 71 fiscal years, primarily because there are no major corporate or individual tax due dates in this month. In July, government receipts totaled $338 billion, while expenditures were $630 billion. Through the first 10 months of the fiscal year, receipts totaled $4,347 billion, while outlays added up to $5,975 billion, rendering a total deficit of $1,629 billion. This compares with a total deficit of $1,517 billion for the same period last fiscal year, a difference of $112 billion.
The national average retail price for regular gasoline was $3.118 per gallon on August 11, $0.022 per gallon below the prior week’s price and $0.296 per gallon less than a year ago. Also, as of August 11, the East Coast price decreased $0.011 to $3.005 per gallon; the Midwest price fell $0.046 to $2.997 per gallon; the Gulf Coast price ticked down $0.051 to $2.680 per gallon; the Rocky Mountain price increased $0.032 to $3.159 per gallon; and the West Coast price rose $0.009 to $4.032 per gallon.
For the week ended August 9, there were 224,000 new claims for unemployment insurance, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised up by 1,000. According to the Department of Labor, the advance rate for insured unemployment claims for the week ended August 2 was 1.3%, unchanged from the previous week’s rate. The advance number of those receiving unemployment insurance benefits during the week ended August 2 was 1,953,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised down by 6,000. States and territories with the highest insured unemployment rates for the week ended July 26 were New Jersey (2.7%), Puerto Rico (2.6%), Rhode Island (2.5%), California (2.2%), Massachusetts (2.2%), Minnesota (2.2%), the District of Columbia (2.1%), Washington (2.1%), Connecticut (1.9%), Oregon, (1.9%), and Pennsylvania (1.9%). The largest increases in initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended August 2 were in Texas (+1,002), New Jersey (+942), Connecticut (+555), Oregon (+488), and Pennsylvania (+445), while the largest decreases were in New York (-1,017), California (-924), Kansas (-506), Georgia (-375), and Louisiana (-341).
Eye on the Week Ahead
July data on housing starts and existing home sales is available this week. The housing sector has slowed somewhat due to elevated mortgage rates and asking prices.
Wall Street rebounded from the previous week’s sell-off. Stocks jumped higher last Monday, aided by major dip-buying. However, investors pulled away from risk midweek, particularly following President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which took effect last Thursday. Nevertheless, stocks experienced a major uptick last Friday to end the week higher. The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ hit record highs, while the Dow and the Russell 2000 also made solid gains. Speculation increased that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates in September following the latest weak jobs report and the imposition of last week’s new tariffs. Information technology, consumer discretionary, and consumer staples led the market sectors. Bond values trended higher, pulling yields lower. Crude oil prices fell to a nearly two-month low amid concerns over growing tariffs.
Stock Market Indexes
Market/Index
2024 Close
Prior Week
As of 8/8
Weekly Change
YTD Change
DJIA
42,544.22
43,588.58
44,175.61
1.35%
3.83%
NASDAQ
19,310.79
20,650.13
21,450.02
3.87%
11.08%
S&P 500
5,881.63
6,238.01
6,389.45
2.43%
8.63%
Russell 2000
2,230.16
2,166.78
2,218.42
2.38%
-0.53%
Global Dow
4,863.01
5,471.41
5,615.85
2.64%
15.48%
fed. funds target rate
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
0 bps
0 bps
10-year Treasuries
4.57%
4.22%
4.28%
6 bps
-29 bps
US Dollar-DXY
108.44
98.70
98.26
-0.45%
-9.39%
Crude Oil-CL=F
$71.76
$67.23
$63.44
-5.64%
-11.59%
Gold-GC=F
$2,638.50
$3,413.50
$3,452.40
1.14%
30.85%
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.
Last Week’s Economic News
The latest report on the goods and services trade deficit was released on August 5 and showed that the goods and services deficit was $60.2 billion in June, down $11.5 billion, or 16.0%, from the revised May estimate. June exports were $277.3 billion, $1.3 billion, or 0.5%, less than May exports. June imports were $337.5 billion, $12.8 billion, or 3.7%, less than May imports. Since June 2024, the goods and services deficit increased $161.5 billion, or 38.3%. Exports increased $82.2 billion, or 5.2%. Imports increased $243.7 billion, or 12.1%.
Business activity in the services sector increased at its sharpest pace so far this year amid solid and accelerated expansion in new business. Companies responded to higher workloads by hiring additional staff, albeit only modestly. Meanwhile, tariffs continued to add to inflationary pressures, resulting in faster increases in both input costs and output prices. The S&P Global US Services PMI® Business Activity Index rose to a seven-month high of 55.7 in July, up from 52.9 in June.
The national average retail price for regular gasoline was $3.140 per gallon on August 4, $0.017 per gallon above the prior week’s price but $0.308 per gallon less than a year ago. Also, as of August 4, the East Coast price increased $0.017 to $3.016 per gallon; the Midwest price rose $0.029 to $3.043 per gallon; the Gulf Coast price ticked down $0.017 to $2.731 per gallon; the Rocky Mountain price increased $0.006 to $3.127 per gallon; and the West Coast price rose $0.028 to $4.023 per gallon.
For the week ended August 2, there were 226,000 new claims for unemployment insurance, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised up by 1,000. According to the Department of Labor, the advance rate for insured unemployment claims for the week ended July 26 was 1.3%, unchanged from the previous week’s rate. The advance number of those receiving unemployment insurance benefits during the week ended July 26 was 1,974,000, an increase of 38,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised down by 10,000. This was the highest level for insured unemployment since November 6, 2021, when it was 2,041,000. States and territories with the highest insured unemployment rates for the week ended July 19 were New Jersey (2.8%), Puerto Rico (2.7%), Rhode Island (2.6%), California (2.2%), Minnesota (2.2%), the District of Columbia (2.1%), Massachusetts (2.1%), Washington (2.1%), Oregon (1.9%), and Pennsylvania (1.9%). The largest increases in initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended July 26 were in Kansas (+254), Vermont (+252), Louisiana (+87), Maryland (+75), and Mississippi (+58), while the largest decreases were in Kentucky (-6,212), Texas (-2,720), Georgia (-1,949), New York (-1,464), and California (-1,174).
Eye on the Week Ahead
Inflation data is on the docket this week with the releases of the July Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index. June saw the CPI increase 0.3%, while the PPI was flat.
The U.S. stock market endured a significant downturn last week, largely due to unexpectedly weak hiring data (see below) and the imposition of new tariffs by President Trump. After reaching record highs for six straight sessions in the prior week, the S&P 500 ended last week in the red, with last Friday marking the worst single-day performance since May. The remaining benchmark indexes listed here also closed last week lower. Investors moved from risk on the heels of an underwhelming jobs report for July, which led to concerns of slowing economic growth, while new tariffs on imports from several U.S. trading partners heightened fears of accelerating inflation. Weak hiring numbers also increased expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. This sent Treasury yields sharply lower, with 10-year Treasury yields hitting their lowest rates since the end of April. Crude oil prices ended last week higher, although reports that OPEC+ may agree to increase production could drag prices lower.
Stock Market Indexes
Market/Index
2024 Close
Prior Week
As of 8/1
Weekly Change
YTD Change
DJIA
42,544.22
44,901.92
43,588.58
-2.92%
2.45%
NASDAQ
19,310.79
21,108.32
20,650.13
-2.17%
6.94%
S&P 500
5,881.63
6,388.64
6,238.01
-2.36%
6.06%
Russell 2000
2,230.16
2,261.07
2,166.78
-4.17%
-2.84%
Global Dow
4,863.01
5,639.91
5,471.41
-2.99%
12.51%
fed. funds target rate
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
0 bps
0 bps
10-year Treasuries
4.57%
4.38%
4.22%
-16 bps
-35 bps
US Dollar-DXY
108.44
97.69
98.70
1.03%
-8.98%
Crude Oil-CL=F
$71.76
$65.04
$67.23
3.37%
-6.31%
Gold-GC=F
$2,638.50
$3,337.80
$3,413.50
2.27%
29.37%
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.
Last Week’s Economic News
By a 9-2 tally, with one member absent, the Federal Open Market Committee voted to maintain interest rates at their current 4.25%-4.50% range. In making its decision, the Committee noted that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year, while swings in net exports continued to affect data. However, the unemployment rate remained low, and labor market conditions were solid, although inflation was somewhat elevated. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee indicated that it would carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. Nevertheless, the Committee observed that uncertainty about the economic outlook remained elevated.
Job growth in July came in well below expectations, with the addition of only 73,000 new jobs. July’s total follows larger-than-normal downward revisions in May and June, which combined, were 258,000 lower than previously reported. The unemployment rate ticked up 0.1 percentage point to 4.2%. Both the labor force participation rate and the employment-population ratio dipped 0.1 percentage point to 62.2% and 59.6%, respectively. The number of unemployed, at 7.2 million, rose by 221,000 last month. In July, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased by 179,000 to 1.8 million, accounting for 24.9% of all unemployed people. Average hourly earnings rose by $0.12, or 0.3%, to $36.44 in July. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.9%. The average workweek edged up by 0.1 hour to 34.3 hours in July.
The economy expanded at an annualized rate of 3.0%, according to the initial estimate of second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP). In the first quarter, GDP decreased 0.5%. The increase in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected a decrease in imports (-30.3%), which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and an increase in consumer spending (1.4%). These movements were partly offset by decreases in private domestic investment (-15.6%) and exports (-1.8%).
According to the latest report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumer spending increased 0.3% in June. Prices consumers paid for goods and services advanced 0.3% last month. Prices excluding food and energy (core prices) also increased 0.3%. Both personal income and disposable (after-tax) personal income each advanced 0.3% in June.
The international trade in goods deficit was $86.0 billion in June, down $10.4 billion, or 10.8%, from the May estimate. Exports of goods for June were $178.2 billion, $1.1 billion, or 0.6%, less than May exports. Imports of goods for June were $264.2 billion, $11.5 billion, or 4.2%, less than May imports. Since June 2024, exports have risen 3.6%, while imports declined 2.5%.
According to the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary, there were 7.4 million job openings in June, down from 7.7 million in May. The number of hires in June, at 5.2 million, fell from the May estimate of 5.5 million. Total separations in June were 5.1 million compared to 5.2 million in May. The number of job openings for May was revised down by 57,000 to 7.7 million, the number of hires was revised down by 38,000 to 5.5 million, and the number of total separations was revised down by 29,000 to 5.2 million.
Operating conditions in the manufacturing sector worsened slightly in July as demand stagnated and tariff uncertainty continued to dominate. International sales fell and uncertainty over federal government policies weighed on sentiment, which led to a decline in employment. On the price front, input costs continued to rise steeply, again linked to tariffs, as selling prices continued to increase markedly, rising to the second-highest level since November 2022. The S&P Global US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index™ recorded 49.8 in July. That was down noticeably from June’s 52.9 following six successive months of growth, while representing the first overall deterioration of operating conditions in 2025.
The national average retail price for regular gasoline was $3.123 per gallon on July 28, $0.002 per gallon above the prior week’s price but $0.361 per gallon less than a year ago. Also, as of July 28, the East Coast price decreased $0.007 to $2.999 per gallon; the Midwest price rose $0.028 to $3.014 per gallon; the Gulf Coast price ticked up $0.009 to $2.748 per gallon; the Rocky Mountain price declined $0.016 to $3.121 per gallon; and the West Coast price fell $0.027 to $3.995 per gallon.
For the week ended July 26, there were 218,000 new claims for unemployment insurance, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week’s level. According to the Department of Labor, the advance rate for insured unemployment claims for the week ended July 19 was 1.3%, unchanged from the previous week’s rate. The advance number of those receiving unemployment insurance benefits during the week ended July 19 was 1,946,000, unchanged from the previous week’s level. States and territories with the highest insured unemployment rates for the week ended July 12 were New Jersey (2.8%), Puerto Rico (2.7%), Rhode Island (2.6%), Minnesota (2.2%), California (2.1%), the District of Columbia (2.1%), Massachusetts (2.1%), Washington (2.1%), Oregon (1.9%), and Pennsylvania (1.9%). The largest increases in initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended July 19 were in Kentucky (+4,895), Texas (+424), Iowa (+298), Indiana (+5), and Vermont (+1), while the largest decreases were in New York (-12,505), California (-4,618), Michigan (-4,116), Pennsylvania (-3,350), and New Jersey (-2,655).
Eye on the Week Ahead
This is a slow week for economic reports. Investors, instead, will look toward next week when the latest inflation data is released.
The economy was generally solid in July, with the stock market continuing its upward trend from the second quarter, albeit with some volatility. Both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reached record highs in July, buoyed by strong corporate earnings and positive economic sentiment. For much of the month, large caps generally outperformed smaller companies, although the Russell 2000 managed to close July marginally higher.
Inflation remained “somewhat elevated.” As of June 2025, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) was at 2.7% year over year, while core inflation (excluding food and energy) was at 2.9%. While headline inflation ticked up, core inflation on an annualized basis in Q2 was slower at 2.4% compared to 3.0% in Q1. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 2.6% since June 2024, 0.2 percentage point above the annual rate for the period ended in May. Core prices advanced 2.8% over the last 12 months, unchanged from the comparable period ended in May. The Federal Reserve’s target inflation rate remained at 2.0%.
The U.S. economy showed signs of renewed growth in the second quarter of 2025 following a modest decline in the first quarter. The gross domestic product (GDP) rose 3.0% in the second quarter following a 0.5% contraction in the first quarter (see below). Consumer spending rose 1.4% in the second quarter after ticking up 0.5% in the first quarter. Through the first half of the year, GDP’s annualized growth rate is projected to be 1.3%. Trade policies continued to be a significant factor for the economy and for investors. The market’s deepest decline in 2025 occurred after President Trump’s new tariffs announcement in April, though investor sentiment improved following delays or reductions in most tariffs. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded its global growth outlook for 2025, partly due to early stockpiling ahead of U.S. tariffs and lower-than-expected effective U.S. tariff rates. However, the IMF flagged downside risks if trade shocks worsen and warned that inflation could remain above target in the United States.
The labor market remained solid, with the unemployment rate staying historically low. In June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 147,000 new jobs, with the unemployment rate dipping to 4.1%. This was higher than the consensus forecast and defied expectations of a rise. Wages rose 3.7% over the past 12 months ended in June. The number of job openings fell by nearly 275,000 in June to 7.4 million, which was roughly in line with expectations. The latest unemployment data showed total claims paid through mid-July increased by 72,000 from a year earlier (see below).
According to FactSet, with roughly 34% of S&P 500 companies reporting, 80% of companies reported positive earnings per share (EPS). However, the year-over-year earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 is 6.4% thus far, which, if it holds, would be the lowest earnings growth rate since the first quarter of 2024. Communication services, information technology, and financials are sectors reporting annualized earnings growth, while six sectors, led by energy, are reporting an annualized decline in earnings.
The real estate market had mixed results in June, with sales of existing homes falling, while new home sales rose. Mortgage rates remained elevated. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.72% as of July 31, down 0.2 percentage point from the rate one week before and below the rate of 6.71% one year ago. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage showed little movement, remaining within the same narrow range for the fourth consecutive week. Continued economic growth, along with moderating house prices and rising inventory, bodes well for buyers and sellers alike.
Industrial production advanced in June, while also increasing over the last 12 months. Manufacturing output and utilities each increased, while mining contracted in June. Purchasing managers reported manufacturing expanded in June, with operating conditions improving to the greatest degree in over three years. Activity in the services sector also expanded in June, but at a slower rate than in the previous month.
The bond market in July was primarily influenced by a combination of factors, including the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, economic data, geopolitical events, and ongoing tariff discourse. Ten-year Treasury yields closed the month higher, moving modestly throughout most of the month. The two-year note, which is more sensitive to Fed policy, closed July at about 3.9%, up from 3.7% at the end of June. The dollar index was muted for much of July, only to rise at the end of the month, while posting its first month-over-month gain of the year. Gold prices rose in July, marking their sixth straight monthly gain. Crude oil prices increased for the month, reaching six-week highs along the way. The retail price of regular gasoline was $3.123 per gallon on July 28, $0.041 below the price a month earlier and $0.361 lower than the price a year ago.
Stock Market Indexes
Market/Index
2024 Close
Prior Month
As of 7/31
Monthly Change
YTD Change
DJIA
42,544.22
44,094.77
44,130.98
0.08%
3.73%
NASDAQ
19,310.79
20,369.73
21,122.45
3.70%
9.38%
S&P 500
5,881.63
6,204.95
6,339.39
2.17%
7.78%
Russell 2000
2,230.16
2,175.04
2,211.65
1.68%
-0.83%
Global Dow
4,863.01
5,519.07
5,507.67
-0.21%
13.26%
fed. funds target rate
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
4.25%-4.50%
0 bps
0 bps
10-year Treasuries
4.57%
4.23%
4.36%
13 bps
-21 bps
US Dollar-DXY
108.44
96.80
100.06
3.37%
-7.73%
Crude Oil-CL=F
$71.76
$65.09
$69.45
6.70%
-3.22%
Gold-GC=F
$2,638.50
$3,319.30
$3,344.70
0.77%
26.77%
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark the performance of specific investments.
Latest Economic Reports
Employment: Job growth exceeded expectations in June after adding 147,000 new jobs (144,000 in May). The June total was in line with the average monthly gain of 146,000 over the prior 12 months. Employment was revised up by a combined 16,000 for April and May. In June, the unemployment rate ticked down 0.1 percentage point to 4.1%. The number of unemployed persons in June, at 7.0 million, was 222,000 under the May estimate. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased by 190,000 to 1.6 million, largely offsetting the May decrease. These individuals accounted for 23.3% of all unemployed persons. The labor force participation rate in June fell 0.1 percentage point from May to 62.3%. The employment-population ratio in June, at 59.7%, was unchanged from the May figure. Average hourly earnings increased by $0.08, or 0.2%, to $36.30 in May. Over the last 12 months, average hourly earnings rose by 3.7%. The average workweek edged down 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours in June.
There were 218,000 initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended July 26, 2025. During the same period, the total number of workers receiving unemployment insurance was 1,946,000. A year ago, there were 248,000 initial claims, while the total number of workers receiving unemployment insurance was 1,874,000.
FOMC/interest rates: Following its meeting in July, the Federal Open Market Committee held the federal funds target rate range at 4.25%-4.50% for a fifth straight time, although two governors dissented in favor of a 25-basis-point cut. While the Committee noted that fluctuations in net exports continued to influence the data, recent indicators suggest that current economic activity has moderated. This assessment differs from more recent prior statements wherein the Committee described the economy as proceeding at a solid pace. Nevertheless, the FOMC pointed out that the unemployment rate remained low although inflation was somewhat elevated. Overall, the Committee indicated that uncertainty about the economic outlook persisted.
GDP/budget: The economy, as measured by gross domestic product, advanced at an annualized rate of 3.0% in the second quarter, rebounding from a 0.5% decrease in the first quarter of 2025. Consumer spending, as measured by personal consumption expenditures, drove the second-quarter increase, climbing 1.4% after ticking up 0.5% in the first quarter. Spending rose for both services (1.1%) and goods (2.2%). After surging 37.9% in the first quarter, imports (which are a negative in the calculation of GDP) fell 30.3% in the second quarter. However, exports also declined in the second quarter, falling 1.8%, offsetting a 0.4% advance in the first quarter. Private investment declined 15.6% in the second quarter, cutting into the 23.8% gain in the prior quarter.
June saw the federal budget register a surplus of $27 billion, while the deficit over the last 12 months was $1,337 billion. June receipts were $526 billion versus $466 billion a year ago. Tariffs added $27 billion to receipts in June. Government outlays in June were $499 billion versus $537 billion a year ago. The deficit through the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, at $1,337 billion, was above the $1,273 billion deficit over the first nine months of the previous fiscal year. Thus far for fiscal year 2025, individual income tax receipts added up to $2,059 billion, while outlays for Social Security totaled $1,181 billion.
Inflation/consumer spending: According to the latest Personal Income and Outlays report, personal income rose 0.3% in June (-0.4% in May), while disposable personal income also advanced 0.3% (-0.5% in May). Consumer spending increased 0.3% in June after being unchanged the previous month. In June, the PCE price index rose 0.3% as did the PCE price index less food and energy (core prices). The PCE price index rose 2.6% since June 2024, while core prices increased 2.8% over the same period. In June, prices for goods increased 0.3% and services rose 0.2%. Food prices increased 0.3%, while energy prices increased 0.9%.
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in June after increasing 0.1% in May. Over the 12 months ended in June, the CPI rose 2.7%, 0.3 percentage point above the rate for the 12 months ended in May. Core prices (excluding food and energy) rose 0.2% last month and 2.9% since June 2024. Prices for shelter rose 0.2% in June (+0.3% in May) and were the primary factor in the monthly increase. Food rose increased 0.3% last month, the same increase as in May. Energy prices increased 0.9% in June as gasoline prices rose 1.0% over the month. Over the last 12 months ended in June, food prices increased 3.0%, energy prices declined 0.8%, and shelter prices rose 3.8%.
Prices at the wholesale level were unchanged in June following an upwardly revised 0.3% increase in May, according to the Producer Price Index. Producer prices increased 2.3% for the 12 months ended in June after rising 2.6% for the 12-month period ended in May. Excluding food and energy, producer prices were unchanged in June but increased 2.6% for the year. In June, prices for goods increased 0.3% from the previous month and rose 1.7% since June 2024. Last month saw prices for services inch down 0.1% after a revised 0.4% increase in May. Prices for services rose 2.7% for the 12 months ended in June, a decrease of 0.5 percentage point from the 3.2% increase over the 12 months ended in May.
Housing: Sales of existing homes decreased 2.7% in June but were unchanged from the June 2024 figure. The median existing-home price, at $435,300, was a record high for the month of June, and marked the 24th consecutive month of yearly gains. The median existing-home price was above the May estimate of $423,700 and 2.0% higher than the year-earlier price of $426,900. Unsold inventory of existing homes in June represented a 4.7-month supply at the current sales pace, marginally longer than the May supply of 4.6 months and above the 4.0-month supply from a year ago. Sales of existing single-family homes declined 3.0% in June but were 0.6% above the estimate from June 2024. The median existing single-family home price was $441,500 in June ($428,800 in May), and 2.0% above the June 2024 estimate of $432,900.
New single-family home sales rose 0.6% in June but were 6.6% below the June 2024 figure. The median sales price of new single-family houses sold in June was $401,800 ($422,700 in May), which was lower than the June 2024 estimate of $414,000. The June average sales price was $501,000 ($511,500 in May), up from the June 2024 average sales price of $499,500. Inventory of new single-family homes for sale in June represented a supply of 9.8 months at the current sales pace, 1.0% above the May 2025 estimate of 9.7 months, and 16.7% above the June 2024 estimate of 8.4 months.
Manufacturing: Industrial production increased 0.3% in June after being unchanged in April and May. Manufacturing output increased 0.1% last month after rising 0.3% in May. Mining decreased 0.3% in June, while utilities rose 2.8%. Over the 12 months ended in June, total industrial production was 0.7% above its year-earlier reading. Since June 2024, manufacturing increased 0.8%, mining advanced 1.6% but utilities fell 0.8%.
New orders for durable goods fell 9.3% in June after increasing 16.5% in May. Transportation equipment drove the June decline after falling 22.4%. New orders excluding transportation increased 0.2%. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 9.4%. For the 12 months ended in June, durable goods orders advanced 7.9%.
Imports and exports: Import prices advanced 0.1% in June following a 0.4% (revised) decrease in May. Prices for imports declined 0.2% for the 12 months ended in June. Import fuel prices decreased 0.7% in June. Import fuel prices fell 15.7% over the past 12 months. Export prices increased 0.5% in June. Export prices increased 2.8% from June 2024 to June 2025.
The international trade in goods deficit in June was $86.0 billion, 10.8% below the May estimate. Exports of goods for June were 0.6% below May exports. Imports of goods for June were 4.2% under May imports. Over the 12 months ended in June, exports rose 3.6%, while imports decreased 2.5%.
The latest information on international trade in goods and services, released July 3, saw the goods and services deficit expand 18.7% in May to $71.5 billion. Exports of goods decreased 4.0% to $279.0 billion in May. Imports of goods declined 0.1% to $350.5 billion. For the 12 months ended in May 2025, the goods and services deficit increased $175.0 billion, or 50.4%, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $73.6 billion, or 5.5%. Imports increased $248.7 billion, or 14.8%.
International markets: European stocks climbed at the end of July after the European Union reached a trade deal with the United States, averting a potentially damaging trade war. European price levels have gradually increased, with annual inflation rising to 2.0% in June from a year earlier. European economic growth has slowed, with gross domestic product ticking up a modest 0.1% in the second quarter. July saw mixed performance in China’s stock market and economic indicators, influenced by ongoing trade dynamics, domestic policies, and a cautious global outlook. In July, the STOXX Europe 600 Index ticked up 0.8%; the United Kingdom’s FTSE rose 3.8%; Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index gained 3.2%; and China’s Shanghai Composite Index climbed 3.3%.
Consumer confidence: Consumer confidence improved by 2.0 points in July to 97.2 from 95.2 in June. The Present Situation Index, based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, decreased 1.5 points to 131.5. The Expectations Index, based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions, rose 4.5 points to 74.4 but was still below the threshold of 80 that typically signals a recession ahead.
Eye on the Month Ahead
August is usually a relatively slow month in the market as investors focus on vacation plans before the end of the summer. However, it will be interesting to see whether, and to what extent, the White House is able to negotiate trade deals that would lead to the reduction of tariffs, most of which are to take effect on August 1.
What I'm Watching This Week 