Stocks moved lower last week as fiscal fears and fresh tariff threats loomed over market sentiment.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.61 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.47 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 2.47 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 1.14 percent.1,2
Stocks Slip
On Monday, stocks were under a bit of pressure after credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded the U.S. as an issuer of government bonds.3,4
Stocks remained under pressure midweek as Treasury yields moved higher with the 30-year bond hit a 19-month high. Investors fretted about the budget deficit; some feared the deficit would be made worse by the spending bill winding its way through Congress. After the House of Representatives approved the bill, bond yields backed off their highs and stocks went sideways.5,6
On Friday, stocks dropped after President Trump warned of a 50 percent tariff on European Union goods following an apparent stall in trade negotiations. At the same time, the administration also threatened a 25 percent tariff on any iPhones manufactured outside of the U.S.7
Source: YCharts.com, May 17, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 16. 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.
Unexpected Tariff News
The president’s fresh tariff talk ended a week or so of relative tranquility on the trade front. While the EU tariff threat may end with a deal similar to deals with other countries and regions, the iPhone issue may prove stickier.
Some analysts estimate that making iPhones in the U.S. would increase manufacturing costs by as much as 50 percent, which might increase the price of an iPhone.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Market Holiday
Tuesday: Durable Goods. New York Fed President John Williams and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari speak. Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.
Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting Minutes. Neel Kashkari speaks.
Thursday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Jobless Claims (weekly). San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speak. Fed Balance Sheet. Pending Home Sales.
Friday: Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index. International Trade Balance in Goods. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Austan Goolsbee speak. Retail and Wholesale Inventories. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 23, 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.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Salesforce Inc. (CRM)
Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)
Source: Zacks, May 23, 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.
“You can’t destroy knowledge. You can stamp it under and burn it up and forbid it to be, but somewhere it will survive.”
– Leigh Brackett
Help Get Your Federal Withholding Correct With This Tool From the IRS
The IRS has a handy tool called the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to help taxpayers better understand their withholding. It’s essential to examine your federal withholding periodically to ensure you are comfortable with the amount of tax withheld.
Checking your withholding status may be a good idea to consider if you have experienced a change that may affect your tax status, such as:
- Going through a marriage or divorce
- Having or adopting a child
- Purchasing a new home
- Working two or more jobs at the same time
- Only working part of the year
- Claiming credits such as the child tax credit
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS9
What is Sleep Hygiene?
We all want a better night’s sleep, and your sleep hygiene routine might impact the amount and quality of shut-eye you get. Sleep hygiene refers to your habits to get a good night’s sleep. The better your habits, the better your chances are of improving your sleep.
Here are some good sleep hygiene tips:
- Be consistent with your sleeping and waking times, even on weekends!
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and of a comfortable temperature
- Invest in blackout curtains or a white noise machine to drown out light and sound
- Avoid electronic devices, including phones and TV, at least an hour before bed
- If your appliances have a “night” mode, switch this on a few hours before bed to reduce blue light
- Make sure to get enough exercise during the day, which may help you fall asleep faster
Tip adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention10
It has dozens of fine teeth, but you can hold it in your hand, and it will never bite you. What is it?
Last week’s riddle: What can go down a chimney when it is down but can’t go up through a chimney when it is up?
Answer: An umbrella.
View of Guatapé
Piedra del Peñol, Colombia
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, May 23, 2025
2. Investing.com, May 23, 2025
3. CNBC.com, May 19, 2025
4. CNBC.com, May 20, 2025
5. CNBC.com, May 21, 2025
6. CNBC.com, May 22, 2025
7. WSJ.com, May 23, 2025
8. MarketWatch.com, May 23, 2025
9. IRS.gov, August 20, 2024
10. CDC.gov, December 12, 2024