Stock prices pushed higher last week, notching multiple records along the way as employment and inflation data took center stage in anticipation of the Fed’s upcoming meeting.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 0.91 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.50 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.72 percent.1,2
Fed in Spotlight
Stocks fell to start the week as all three averages snapped a five-day win streak.3
Megacap tech stocks then led a recovery rally, which continued its momentum midweek as ADP’s November report showed a decline in private-sector payrolls. Investors welcomed the report, believing it might prompt an interest rate adjustment at the Fed’s upcoming meeting. All three major averages posted modest gains over both Tuesday and Wednesday.4,5
Stocks then largely went sideways, with small gains for the S&P and Nasdaq while the Dow fell slightly. Meanwhile, the Russell 2000, which measures the performance of small-cap stocks, has cracked a fresh record high.6
Markets rallied on Friday after a delayed inflation report showed that prices rose at a slightly slower annualized rate in September. The S&P closed out a four-day winning streak.7
Source: YCharts.com, December 6, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, December 1, to Friday, December 5. 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.
Economy Watch
The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation stayed cool. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index rose 2.8 percent in September from a year prior, cooler than the 2.9 percent expected. The annualized core inflation rate of 2.8 percent also came in just under expectations.8
The ADP private-sector jobs showed employers cut 32,000 jobs in November. Two things to remember: (1) this report is only based on the first two weeks of November, and (2) small business payrolls declined by 120,000, while employers with 50 or more workers added 90,000 jobs.9,10
An optimistic inflation report but a sluggish jobs update added to growing speculation that the Fed will adjust rates at its next (and last) meeting of the year.11
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Job Openings (Oct.)* Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Day 1.
Wednesday: Employment Cost Index (Q3).* Federal Budget. Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Day 2. Fed Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference. Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Day 2. Fed Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.
* indicates publication of a report that had been delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; December 5, 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: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Job Openings (Oct.)* Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Day 1.
Wednesday: Employment Cost Index (Q3).* Federal Budget. Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Day 2. Fed Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference. Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Day 2. Fed Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.
* indicates publication of a report that had been delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; December 5, 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
Tuesday: AutoZone, Inc. (AZO)
Wednesday: Oracle Corporation (ORCL), Adobe Inc. (ADBE), Synopsis, Inc. (SNPS)
Thursday: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Source: Zacks, December 5, 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.
“There’s great value in being able to step back and laugh at yourself, at life and at attitudes. Laughter helps you put everything into perspective.”
– Jim Henson
5 Things You Can Find on IRS.gov
The IRS website offers a wealth of information beyond just tax filing information. Here are some things you can find on the site that might help you as a taxpayer:
- The Taxpayer Bill of Rights – This set of fundamental rights tells you what to expect when dealing with the IRS.
- Resources on how to apply for 501(c)(3) status – There are webinars and resources to help organizations apply for and maintain their tax-exempt status.
- Information on IRS tax volunteer opportunities – Learn how to give back and help people file their taxes
- Information on the latest tax scams – Know what to look out for and how to stay safe
- The Interactive Tax Assistant – Get personalized answers to your tax questions
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov12
Rainwater Collecting
Collecting rainwater is a great way to conserve water, decrease water bills, lower demand for freshwater resources, slow erosion in dry environments, and reduce flooding.
One way is to collect the runoff from your gutter in a bucket or container. You can then use that water for gardening, watering indoor plants, filling the toilet tanks, washing your car, or storing it as emergency water in the case of a fire. While rainwater collection is legal in all 50 states, be aware that some states have restrictions on collecting and using it, so check them before you begin!
Tip adapted from Treehugger.com13
What 2 common English-language words both contain 2 Cs in a row, 2 Ss in a row and two Ls in a row?
Last Week’s Riddle: What word measures weight and turns negative if spelled backwards?
Answer: Ton.
Kangaamiut, (formerly Gammel Sukkertoppen), Greenland
Central-western Greenland
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, December 5, 2025
2. Investing.com, December 5, 2025
3. CNBC.com, December 1, 2025
4. CNBC.com, December 2, 2025
5. WSJ.com, December 3, 2025
6. CNBC.com, December 4, 2025
7. WSJ.com, December 5, 2025
8. CNBC.com, December 5, 2025
9. CNBC.com, December 3, 2025
10. CNBC.com, December 4, 2025
11. CMEgroup.com, December 5, 2025
12. IRS.gov, May 29, 2025
13. Treehugger, June 16, 2025