Last week's rally broadened, with small caps leading despite late selling pressure. Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted at possible rate cuts before inflation hits 2%. Small caps surged, reflecting optimism about the U.S. economy. Major indexes saw modest gains: S&P 500 up 0.28%, Dow Jones up 0.53%, and Nasdaq up 0.4%. Small-cap Russell 2000 jumped nearly 8% over the week. Financials and industrials led sectors, while communication services lagged. Notable earnings reports include banks, Johnson & Johnson, United Airlines, and Taiwan Semiconductor. Key data this week: retail sales, industrial production, and potential rate cut impacts on the yield curve.
Health insurers Humana and UnitedHealth rose 1% on hopes of fewer cost pressures with a potential Trump victory.
Trump Media & Technology surged 29% following an attempted assassination of Trump, boosting election win expectations.
Macy's fell 12% after ending buyout talks.
Gun stocks, including Sturm, Ruger & Company and Smith & Wesson, rose significantly after a shooting at Trump's rally.
SolarEdge dropped 13% due to layoffs aimed at restoring profitability.
Goldman Sachs gained 1% on strong earnings.
Crypto stocks and Bitcoin rose with increased bets on a Trump win.
Apple advanced 2% on an upgrade and record India sales.
Baxter International fell 3% on a downgrade.
Tesla added nearly 5%, continuing its monthly rally.