The S&P 500 Index gained 0.59 percent.
The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.51 percent.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.07 percent.1,2
Market Recap
All three major market averages posted modest gains to start the week as investors appeared to shrug off tough talk on trade from the White House over the weekend.3
Stocks mostly fell after news that inflation warmed up a bit last month, albeit in line with economists’ expectations. A narrow, chip-led rally developed after a megacap chipmaker said it received assurances from the White House of its ability to sell products in China, pushing the Nasdaq modestly higher.4
Stocks continued their climb over the next session following news that consumer spending rebounded last month as trade talk slowed. The S&P 500 posted another record close amid several companies beating expectations as they reported quarterly financials.5,6
Markets went slightly lower on Friday despite news that consumer sentiment rose last month. The consumer sentiment report also showed a drop in concerns about tariff-induced inflation.7
Inflation And Consumers
Two themes developed with fresh economic data released last week: inflation and consumers.
First, June inflation data painted a mixed picture. While consumer prices rose at a 2.7 percent annual clip last month (faster than May’s 2.4 percent rate), wholesale inflation was flat. So while retail prices were a concern, wholesale prices currently suggest a muted effect from tariffs.8,9
The second bit of data revolved around consumers, who continued to be a source of strength for the economy. Retail sales recovered in June, and while they were still lower than at year-end, consumer sentiment rose to its highest level since February.10
Economic Data To Watch
Monday: Leading Economic Indicators.
Tuesday: Fed Chair Powell banking conference speech. Fed Official Michelle Bowman speaks.
Wednesday: Existing Home Sales. Treasury Buyback.
Thursday: Jobless Claims (weekly). Services & Manufacturing PMI. New Home Sales. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: Durable Goods.
Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; July 18, 2025
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: Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)
Tuesday: The Coca-Cola Company (KO), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), RTX Corporation (RTX), Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG), Danaher Corporation (DHR), Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)
Wednesday: Alphabet Inc. (GOOG/GOOGL), Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS), ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW), AT&T Inc. (T), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO), NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX), GE Vernova Inc. (GEV), Amphenol Corporation (APH), CME Group Inc. (CME)
Thursday: Honeywell International Inc. (HON), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), Blackstone Inc. (BX), Intel Corporation (INTC)
Source: Zacks, July 18, 2025. 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. WSJ.com, July 18, 2025
2. Investing.com, July 18, 2025
3. CNBC.com, July 14, 2025
4. WSJ.com, July 15, 2025
5. CNBC.com, July 16, 2025
6. CNBC.com, July 17, 2025
7. CNBC.com, July 18, 2025
8. WSJ.com, July 15, 2025
9. MarketWatch.com, July 16, 2025
10. MarketWatch.com, July 17, 2025
Source: YCharts.com, July 19, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, July 14, to Friday, July 18. 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.