The S&P 500 rose 1.22%, while the Nasdaq gained 2.06%. The Dow edged up 0.28%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.15%.¹˒²
A Strong Start, Then Some Back and Forth
Stocks started the week strong, helped by gains in AI stocks, lower oil prices, and falling bond yields. The Nasdaq reached a record intraday high Monday.
Tuesday was quieter as investors watched developments in the Middle East. Oil prices and Treasury yields continued to move lower.³˒⁴
Wednesday brought renewed pressure after comments from a Fed official raised concerns about interest rates and two inflation reports added to inflation worries. The major averages remained under pressure Thursday before a late-day lift followed improving news from the Middle East.⁵˒⁶
Friday closed out the week on a firmer note, with all three major averages finishing higher.⁷
Why Bond Yields Mattered
Treasury yields climbed to multidecade highs last week as the outlook for interest rates and inflation remained in focus.
Fed Governor Michael Barr's comments Wednesday were one factor. His remarks suggested he was open to another rate adjustment at the October Fed meeting.
The latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reports for manufacturing and services also drew attention. Both showed input costs reaching four-year highs, adding to inflation concerns.⁸
Economic News to Watch
Tuesday: S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index; Consumer Confidence; Job Openings & Labor Turnover. Fed speeches from Austan Goolsbee (Chicago) and John Williams (New York).
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report for the private sector; Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Q2 third estimate; Trade Balance in Goods; Wholesale & Retail Inventories; Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index. Fed President Goolsbee also speaks.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims; Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) — Manufacturing; Construction Spending.
Friday: Employment Report; Factory Orders.
Source: Investor's Business Daily — Econoday economic calendar, September 25, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases, Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. Forecasts and other forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize and are subject to revision.
Upcoming Earnings Reports
Wednesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU)
Thursday: Nike, Inc. (NKE)
Source: Zacks, September 25, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of securities. Investing involves risk, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. 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 their earnings reports without notice.
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, September 25, 2026
2. Investing.com, September 25, 2026
3. CNBC.com, September 21, 2026
4. CNBC.com, September 22, 2026
5. CNBC.com, September 23, 2026
6. CNBC.com, September 24, 2026
7. WSJ.com, September 25, 2026
8. CNBC.com, September 23, 2026
Source: YCharts.com, September 26, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, September 21 to Friday, September 25. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.