The S&P 500 Index gained 1.59 percent.
The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 2.03 percent.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.95 percent.1,2
Record Highs
Stocks rose to start the week on renewed AI enthusiasm, with the Nasdaq hitting a new record intraday high. Stocks continued to push ahead on Tuesday despite fresh data showing large downward revisions to job creation for the 12 months through March.3
The rally continued midweek after an unexpected drop in wholesale inflation appeared to boost investors' hopes for Fed rate moves before the year's end.4,5
Investors cheered Thursday’s consumer inflation report, anticipating that the reading wouldn't be enough to derail a Fed rate move this month. The S&P and Nasdaq posted record intraday highs and closes three days in a row, while the Dow Industrials cracked 46,000 for the first time.6
The Nasdaq hit a new record close on Friday, while the S&P 500 flattened out and the Dow posted a modest loss on the week’s last day of trading.7
Fed Meets After Mixed Inflation Reports
Wednesday’s Producer Price Index (PPI) report showed wholesale prices fell 0.1 percent in August after a 0.7 percent increase in July. Then, on Thursday, fresh Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed that retail prices rose a hotter-than-expected 0.4 percent in August—faster than July’s 0.3 percent gain.8,9
All eyes will be on Fed Chair Powell this week. He is expected to outline his plan to adjust rates at the Fed’s scheduled two-day meeting, which ends on Wednesday, September 17. Investors will be looking for insights about how he plans to guide the economy through this period of sluggish job growth and stubborn consumer inflation.
Economic Data To Watch
Tuesday: Retail Sales. Import Price Index. Industrial Production. Business Inventories. Home Builder Confidence Index.
Wednesday:Housing Starts. Building Permits. Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Powell Press Conference.
Thursday:Weekly Jobless Claims. Leading Economic Indicators.
Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; September 12, 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
Wednesday: General Mills (GIS)
Thursday:FedEx Corporation (FDX)
Source: Zacks, September 12, 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, September 12, 2025
2. Investing.com, September 12, 2025
3. WSJ.com, September 8, 2025
4. CNBC.com, September 9, 2025
5. WSJ.com, September 10, 2025
6. CNBC.com, September 11, 2025
7. CNBC.com, September 12, 2025
8. WSJ.com, September 10, 2025
9. WSJ.com, September 11, 2025
Source: YCharts.com, September 13, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, September 8, to Friday, September 12. 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.