What Happened Last Week

The S&P 500 gained 1.68 percent. The Nasdaq gained 1.73 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.96 percent.^1,2

Santa Claus Rally Incoming?

Stocks showed mixed results during the first half of the week due to geopolitical tensions that boosted precious metals and put pressure on Treasury yields.³

The Dow Industrials jumped out in front midweek and never looked back. Disappointing earnings on Tuesday from a large box retailer held back some gains in the broader S&P 500. A mixed Q3 update report from the nation’s leading AI chipmaking company also tempered gains a bit.⁴

Year-end optimism, especially around consumers driving a healthy holiday shopping season, supported the rally for much of the week. Fresh data that weekly jobless claims dropped to a seven-month low also lifted spirits.^5,6

Small-Caps Streaking

For several weeks, investors have seemingly favored small-cap names.The Russell 2000, an index of 2,000 small-cap companies widely used as a benchmark for U.S. small-cap stocks, rose 4.50 percent for the five days of trading this past week. In the month-to-date through November 22, the Russell is up nearly 9 percent.⁷

Economic Data To Watch

Tuesday:Consumer Confidence. New Home Sales. FOMC Minutes.

Wednesday:Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Durable Goods. Pending Home Sales. Personal Income and Outlays.

Thursday: Markets Closed—Thanksgiving Holiday.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 21, 2024
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

Upcoming Earnings Reports

Monday:Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A)

Tuesday:Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL), CrowdStrike (CRWD)

^{Source: Zacks, November 21, 2024.
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. 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 when they report earnings without notice.}

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, November 22, 2024}

^{2. Investing.com, November 22, 2024}

^{3. MarketWatch.com, November 19, 2024}

^{4. CNBC.com, November 20, 2024}

^{5. CNBC.com, November 21, 2024}

^{6. MarketWatch.com, November 21, 2024}

^{7. The Wall Street Journal, November 22, 2024}

^{Source: YCharts.com, November 23, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, November 18, to Friday, November 22. 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.}