Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.74 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.50 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.42 percent.1,2
Tech-Led Rise Past Geopolitical Concerns
Stocks rose to start the week, with the Dow hitting another record close and the Nasdaq climbing more than 1 percent as investors shook off valuation concerns that plagued AI stocks over the past few weeks.3
The Dow hit a new intraday high on Tuesday before its two-day slide, along with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, through the week’s lows midday Wednesday. That said, the Nasdaq eked out a slight gain on Wednesday after chip stocks recovered.4,5
After hitting its midweek bottom, stocks climbed through the end of the week. Chip stocks led the rally, pushing higher amid continued Middle East conflict, even as reports emerged that mediators were trying to get the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table. A handful of big tech names led the broad market’s rise to finish the week strong, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each gaining more than 1 percent on Friday.6,7
Source: YCharts.com, July 11, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, July 6, to Friday, July 10. 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.
A ‘Family Fight’, Vexed by Inflation
Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting were released on Wednesday and revealed a Fed divided and unsure of how to proceed without more inflation data.
Fed officials offered opposing arguments at the meeting about whether to raise or lower interest rates. Fed Chair Warsh called the debate a “family fight” and gave little forward guidance on where the next decision was leaning, adding they would continue to assess “incoming information” on inflation.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Treasury Balance.
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Price Index (CPI). Fed Chair Kevin Warsh presents Monetary Policy Report to Congress. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks.
Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Personal Consumption. New York Fed President John Williams speaks. Fed Beige Book.
Thursday: Retail Sales. Weekly Jobless Claims. Manufacturing & Trade: Inventories & Sales. NAHB Housing Market Index. Pending Home Sales. Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan speaks.
Friday: Housing Starts. Import Prices. Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. University of Michigan Survey Results.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; July 10, 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: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Bank of America Corporation (BAC), The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), Wells Fargo & Company (WLS), Citigroup Inc. (C)
Wednesday: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Morgan Stanley (MS), BlackRock (BLK), The Progressive Corporation (PGR), BNY (BNY), The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC), Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV), Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI), Cintas Corporation (CTAS)
Thursday: UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), GE Aerospace (GE), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Prologis, Inc. (PLD), U.S. Bancorp (USB)
Friday: The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV), Truist Financial Corporation (TFC)
Source: Zacks, July 10, 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.
“You cannot talk to people successfully if they think you are not interested in what they have to say or you have no respect for them.”
– Larry King
Bananas: Nature’s Energy Bar
Bananas are one of the most portable, fuss-free sources of nutrition you can find. High in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber, they’re a natural energy booster, no wrapper required. Freeze them and blend them in a smoothie, mash them into pancake batter as a natural sweetener, or slice them onto a peanut butter sandwich for a classic combination that never gets old. They’re also a great egg substitute in baking, making them a pantry hero for plant-based cooking.
Tip adapted from Healthline9
Reporting Cash Payments
Individuals, companies, corporations, and others must report cash transactions of more than $10,000. These cash payments can include jewelry sales, gifts from family members, overseas purchases, or any other cash transactions. You also need to report cash payments received in one lump sum, in two or more related payments within 24 hours, or as part of a single transaction or two or more transactions in the previous year.
All you need to do is file Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business. The form requires information about the giver and the recipient of the cash, a description of the transaction, and details about any other parties involved.
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
Brittany carried a load of wood in a wheelbarrow, yet the wood was neither straight nor crooked. How could this be?
Last Week’s Riddle: I lack lungs, yet I constantly need oxygen; I have no mouth, but sufficient water will drown me. What am I?
Answer: Fire.
Vsevidof Volcano
Tyonek, Alaska, United States
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, July 10, 2026
2. Investing.com, July 10, 2026
3. WSJ.com, July 6, 2026
4. CNBC.com, July 7, 2026
5. CNBC.com, July 8, 2026
6. CNBC.com, July 9, 2026
7. CNBC.com, July 10, 2026
8. CNBC.com, July 8, 2026
9. Healthline, April 14, 2026
10. IRS.gov, July 24, 2025