Stocks were mixed last week as investors fretted over hot inflation reports, which offset the move in chipmaker stocks.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.08 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 1.77 percent.1,2
Volatile Week
Stocks ticked up to start the week, helping the S&P 500 close above 7400 for the first time. The Nasdaq also closed at a new high as chipmaker stocks continued to lead the tech sector.3
Markets opened lower on Tuesday after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report came in hotter than expected. Stocks pared the losses by the close, with the Dow Industrials managing to notch a slight gain.4
The rally continued, with the S&P and Nasdaq hitting new intraday and closing records over the next two trading days. On Thursday, a strong Q1 report from a megacap tech company helped pace gains while investors kept one eye on the ongoing U.S.-China meetings. The S&P 500 closed over 7,500 for the first time, while the Dow reclaimed the 50,000 level.5,6
Stocks were under pressure from the opening bell on Friday. Treasury yields rose as the three-day summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders came to a close. Investors seemed disappointed that there were no major agreements in the Middle East conflict.7
Source: YCharts.com, May 16, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 11, to Friday, May 15. 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.
Inflation in Focus
Both retail and wholesale inflation rose faster than expected in April, heavily influenced by higher energy prices.
The CPI increased 3.8 percent year over year in April, up from 3.3 percent in March. Fuel oil alone climbed 54 percent year over year, while gasoline jumped 28 percent. In fact, over 40 percent of the 0.6 percent month-over-month gain was driven by energy inflation.8
Inflation also showed up in wholesale prices. The Producer Price Index rose 6 percent over the prior 12 months in April, also a 3-year high. Month over month, PPI rose 1.4 percent (a 4-year high) versus the 0.5 percent increase expected.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Pending Home Sales. Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson speaks.
Wednesday: Minutes from Fed’s May FOMC Meeting.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Housing Starts. Building Permits. Purchasing Managers Index-Services. Purchasing Managers Index-Manufacturing.
Friday: Consumer Sentiment. Leading Economic Indicators.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 15, 2026. 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 provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD)
Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), Intuit Inc. (INTU)
Thursday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), Deere & Company (DE)
Source: Zacks, May 15, 2026. 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 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.
“One does not fall “in” or “out” of love. One grows in love.”
– Leo Buscaglia
Your Plans This Summer May Be Eligible for Itemized Deductions
These activities can be itemized as deductions if you have plans to sell or buy a home this summer or to donate some old items. Here are some examples:
If you are refinancing your home this summer, you can deduct some of your mortgage interest. However, there are some limits to these deductions. According to the IRS, the deduction is limited to interest paid on a loan secured by the taxpayer’s primary or secondary residence. When refinancing, you must use the loan to purchase, build, or substantially improve your primary or secondary residence.
If you buy a new home this summer, you can deduct mortgage insurance if you pay $750,000 in qualifying debt for a first and second home, or $375,000 when married and filing separately.
Summer is an ideal time to sort through your belongings and donate any unwanted clothes, furniture, or household goods. If you itemize the deductions and provide proof of the donations, these donations may qualify for a tax deduction.
In addition to donating items, you can deduct mileage on your vehicle for services performed for a qualifying charity.
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov10
Zero-Waste Skincare: Fight Back Against Plastic
Single-use bathroom products, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, contribute to the tons of plastic we dispose of daily. These bottles are frequently difficult or impossible to recycle.
Next time you shop for a beauty product, consider choosing a zero-waste option. These options use biodegradable packaging to reduce landfill trash as much as possible. The idea is not to live like a “sustainability saint” but instead to do a small part to promote the future of our planet.
Tip adapted from Sustainable Jungle11
Wilbert was driving a black car. The car’s lights were off, there was no moonlight – and a cat was in the middle of the road. How did Wilbert know to stop?
Last Week’s Riddle: They have wings. As they grow up, they also grow down. What are they?
Answer: Geese.
Lontra Canadensis (North American river otters)
Florida, United States
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, May 15, 2026
2. Investing.com, May 15, 2026
3. CNBC.com, May 11, 2026
4. WSJ.com, May 12, 2026
5. CNBC.com, May 13, 2026
6. CNBC.com, May 14, 2026
7. CNBC.com, May 15, 2026
8. WSJ.com, May 12, 2026
9. CNBC.com, May 13, 2026
10. IRS.gov, November 3, 2025
11. Sustainable Jungle, November 18, 2025