American Financial Services

American Financial Services We are a full-service, independent agency. We offer competitive diversification.

Through our relationship with Cambridge Investment Research, we work with a carefully selected group of sound, reputable insurance companies and money managers. There is no question that retirement comes with its own unique set of challenges. At American Financial Services, we strive to use our experience, skill, and thorough understanding of your needs to build an estate plan for your family th

at has the highest likelihood of helping you face these challenges with success. Most of our clients lack the time, the desire, or the experience to fully
develop their estate plan. We consider it an honor and a privilege to help our clients make sound financial decisions that will help contribute to a more secure future.

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Cools, Stocks Soar, Month Ends StrongThe post-Memorial Day holiday trading week was s...
06/01/2026

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Cools, Stocks Soar, Month Ends Strong

The post-Memorial Day holiday trading week was short but potent as stocks delivered more record gains while confidence grew that a peace deal would materialize.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 2.39 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.90 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.99 percent.1,2

Ninth Straight for S&P
Stocks got off to a good start as the chipmaker-led rally continued to support the broader market, while the White House reported diplomatic progress on a Middle East peace deal.3

Leadership shifted a bit midweek, with the Dow rising modestly to a new record close as oil prices fell.4

The S&P and Nasdaq opened higher Thursday on upbeat economic news. Both posted solid gains, while the Dow Industrials went sideways.5

Stocks wrapped up the week and the month on positive notes. Sliding oil prices and technology gains helped push all three averages to record intraday and closing highs, including the Dow cracking the 51,000 mark for the first time.6

Economic Updates
It was a mixed bag of economic news last week, with four key April data points released on Thursday.

The Fed’s preferred inflation measure came in cooler than expected. The personal-consumption expenditure (PCE) index rose 0.4 percent in April, less than the 0.5 percent expected. Annual PCE rose 3.8 percent.7

The Gross Domestic Product report showed the economy grew more slowly in Q1 than initially estimated, with the estimate revised down to 1.6 percent annualized growth.7

In a good sign for manufacturing, durable goods orders rose 7.9 percent in April, double the expected pace and the biggest increase in almost a year. The main reason? Civilian aircraft orders soared 166 percent after China ordered 200 planes following a recent U.S.-China presidential summit.8

Homebuyers bought 6.2 percent fewer new homes in April over the prior month. But investors focused on the fact that homebuyers bought 8.9 percent and 7.4 percent more new homes in February and March, respectively, over the prior month.9

This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: ISM Manufacturing. Construction Spending. Auto Sales. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari speaks in South Korea.

Tuesday: Job Openings. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack speaks.

Wednesday: ADP Employment Report (private sector hiring). Factory Orders. ISM Services. Fed Beige Book. Fed governor Michael Barr speaks.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Productivity. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin speaks.

Friday: Federal Employment Report. Consumer Credit.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; May 29, 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
Monday: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE)

Tuesday: Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

Wednesday: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), CrowdStrike (CRWD), Medtronic (MDT)

Thursday: Ciena Corporation (CIEN)

Source: Zacks, May 29, 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.

Source: YCharts.com, May 30, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, May 22 to Friday, May 29. 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.

Weekly Market Insights | Markets Shrug Off Chip Worries, Finish StrongStocks bounced back last week as enthusiasm for th...
05/26/2026

Weekly Market Insights | Markets Shrug Off Chip Worries, Finish Strong

Stocks bounced back last week as enthusiasm for the AI trade continued and rumors of a Middle East peace agreement bolstered investor optimism.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.88 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged ahead 0.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 2.13 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 2.16 percent.1,2

S&P 500’s 8th Winning Week
Stocks sputtered out of the gate as a capacity issue amid soaring demand in the memory chip space put pressure on those stocks, along with the AI trade and tech more broadly.3

Then markets took a leg up midweek as investor optimism returned for a Middle East peace deal; oil prices and Treasury yields fell. Investors also looked ahead to a quarterly earnings report from one of the megacap AI chipmakers. The Dow hit a fresh record close.4,5

Then, on Friday, markets rallied once again as investors continued to hold out hope that a Middle East peace deal would materialize.

Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the new Fed chair, while investor enthusiasm over the AI trade and other tech stocks added to the market’s ebullient sentiment. The Dow closed at another record high, while the S&P 500 finished its eighth consecutive week in the green, its longest weekly winning streak since 2023.6

Fed Meeting Minutes
The Federal Reserve released minutes from its April Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Jerome Powell’s last FOMC meeting as Fed Chair.

The minutes revealed that if the Fed were to adjust rates sometime during the remainder of this year, it might be a rate hike rather than a rate cut.7

This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. New Home Sales. Durable Goods.

Friday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index. Trade Balance in Goods. Retail & Wholesale Inventories.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: May 22, 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
Wednesday: Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL), Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS)

Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)

Source: Zacks, May 22, 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.

Source: YCharts.com, May 23, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 18 to Friday, May 22. 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.

05/22/2026

What is Tax Form 5498?

Imagine for a moment that it’s a sun-splashed day in the middle of May. You have just taken a leisurely walk to your mailbox, perhaps stopping briefly to water the flowers in the planter from a recent trip to a local greenhouse. Your taxes were filed weeks ago, and the angst of tax season is well in your mind’s rearview mirror. It’s at that moment that you open an envelope containing another tax form! After a moment of panic, you wonder “Did I forget to include this with my tax return? What is this form and why am I receiving it so late?”.

The document that you received is Form 5498 and reports important information to the IRS about any IRA contributions, rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, required minimum distributions (RMD) and the fair market value of your IRA for the tax year.

The good news, however, is the form is for your recordkeeping and it does not need to be included with your tax return. After verifying the activity matches your records for the year, you are free to file it with your other tax documents without further action.

Form 5498 is required to be mailed by May 31st but is often mailed after April 15th because prior year IRA contributions can be made until the tax deadline. The form reports contributions that were made applicable to the tax year, rather than during the calendar year. This is the culprit for the late spring surprise!

If you receive this form and have any questions or would like assistance verifying the activity for the year, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. Otherwise, feel free to get back to enjoying those flowers.

Memorial Day is so much more than a long weekend.It is a chance for us to remember those who gave all for this great nat...
05/21/2026

Memorial Day is so much more than a long weekend.

It is a chance for us to remember those who gave all for this great nation and the freedoms it offers.

This Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, and we honor their courage.

Wishing you and yours a peaceful Memorial Day.

** Please note that we will be closed at noon on Friday, May 22nd, and closed on Memorial Day, May 25th. Thank you! **

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Bites, But Wall Street Bites BackStocks were mixed last week as investors fretted ove...
05/18/2026

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Bites, But Wall Street Bites Back

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

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.

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.

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise with Upbeat NewsStocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors chee...
05/12/2026

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise with Upbeat News

Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.22 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 1.24 percent.1,2

Sixth Straight Week of Gains
Stocks stumbled at the start of the week as stalled peace talks and escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on sentiment.3

The gloom didn’t last long. Markets opened higher Tuesday morning as investors reacted positively to solid Q1 corporate earnings results and falling oil prices. The rally extended through Wednesday after better-than-expected earnings results from a couple of chipmakers lifted the entire sector and led the broader averages higher. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record intraday and closing highs both days, while the S&P closed above 7,300 for the first time.4

Stocks took a breather on Thursday as investors assessed the latest developments in the Middle East. Markets then opened higher on Friday on news of better-than-expected job growth in April, fueling a relief rally from investors who were pleasantly surprised that the Middle East had not impacted hiring. A major chipmaker deal announcement extended the week’s chip-stock rally, further lifting the S&P and Nasdaq to new highs and a sixth consecutive week of gains.5,6

Jobs Report Surprise
Employers added 115,000 jobs in April, versus the 55,000 economists expected. Jobs grew the most in the healthcare, retail, and leisure & hospitality sectors. Another good sign: unemployment held steady at 4.3 percent last month.7

In other economic news, the new home sales data released last week showed sales for both February and March exceeded expectations. In March, 682,000 newly constructed homes were sold, up 7.4 percent over the prior month, while February new home sales jumped 8.9 percent over February.8

This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Existing Home Sales.

Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Price Index (CPI). Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Monthly Federal Budget.

Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Boston Fed President Susan Collins speaks.

Thursday: Retail Sales. Weekly Jobless Claims. Import Price Index. Business Inventories. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack and Fed Governor Michael Barr speak.

Friday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Home Builder Confidence Index.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: May 8, 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
Monday: Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG)

Wednesday: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Thursday: Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), Brookfield Corporation (BN)

Source: Zacks, May 8, 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.

Source: YCharts.com, May 9, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8. 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.

Last night, May 6th, we hosted a client event at the Legend at Bristlecone.  Ben Merens, an Outreach Specialist with the...
05/07/2026

Last night, May 6th, we hosted a client event at the Legend at Bristlecone. Ben Merens, an Outreach Specialist with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, gave a presentation titled "Staying Safe: Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud". The presentation covered the different types of identity theft, how to recognize warning signs, and strategies for prevention, including fraud alerts and security freezes. It also provided practical tips for protecting personal information, identifying common scams, and steps to take if you become a victim. Ben's presentation was extremely informative and well-done. We are very grateful to him for giving the presentation and to all of the clients who attended. It was a very enjoyable night. If you would like to attend similar events in the future, please visit our website and check out the "client events" section. Thank you!

Weekly Market Insights | S&P, Nasdaq Have Best Month in 5 YearsStocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled...
05/04/2026

Weekly Market Insights | S&P, Nasdaq Have Best Month in 5 Years

Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.55 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.58 percent.1,2

April: Best Month in Five Years for S&P, Nasdaq
Markets were under pressure early in the week as investors focused on stalled peace talks and rising oil prices.3

But midweek, momentum shifted. First, the Fed announced it was holding interest rates steady, as expected, but there was some dissent over the decision. Then investors' attention focused on Wednesday’s closing bell, when several big-name companies reported Q1 results.4

Investors mostly liked what they heard, and stock prices rose, ending April on a high note. The Dow led the broad market rally while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each logged their best monthly performances in 5 years.5

Stocks rose again on Friday as oil prices fell. Investors applauded Q1 results from another high-profile megacap tech company, which helped the S&P notch another all-time intraday high.6

Fed News
The Federal Reserve voted 8-4 to keep interest rates steady at the April meeting, leaving the Federal Funds Rate at a 3.5 to 3.75 percent target range. Market observers were quick to point out that the 8-4 decision was the Federal Open Market Committee’s most divided vote since 1992.7

At the last FOMC press conference of his eight-year tenure, Fed Chair Powell announced he would stay on as a Fed governor after his term as Chair expires on May 15. Earlier that day, the Senate Banking Committee confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair, setting up a final confirmation vote in the Senate.7

This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: New York Fed President John Williams speaks.

Tuesday: Trade Balance. Job Openings. New Home Sales (Feb* + March). ISM Services. Federal Reserve speeches: Michelle Bowman, Michael Barr.

Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Productivity. Construction Spending (Feb* + March). Consumer Credit. Federal Reserve speeches: Neel Kashkari, John Williams.

Friday: Fed governor Lisa Cook speaks. U.S. Employment Report. Wholesale Inventories. Consumer Sentiment. Fed panel: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, Fed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller.

* indicates federal data release delayed by government shutdown

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; May 1, 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
Monday: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Wednesday: The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), AppLovin Corporation (APP), CVS Health Corporation (CVS)

Thursday: McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), McKesson Corporation (MCK)

Source: Zacks, May 1, 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.

Source: YCharts.com, May 2, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 27, to Friday, May 1. 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.

Weekly Market Insights | Mixed Week After CeasefireStocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of...
04/27/2026

Weekly Market Insights | Mixed Week After Ceasefire

Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.44 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 2.75 percent.1,2

Mixed Markets As Investors Look Ahead
Stocks began the week lower after tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend. They remained under pressure through Tuesday’s close as Wednesday’s expiration of the ceasefire loomed.3

Markets opened higher on Wednesday as investors cheered a ceasefire extension, while solid Q1 corporate earnings results boosted market momentum. Oil prices rose above $100/barrel, and all three major stock averages closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq logging new all-time highs.4

The S&P and Nasdaq recovered from a slump in software stocks, while higher oil prices put stocks under pressure, logging fresh intraday highs along the way. Investors appeared increasingly desensitized to the Middle East conflict.5,6

Consumer Paradox
Fresh news on Friday showed consumer sentiment slipped to an all-time low in April. Consumers may be thinking about inflation, the job market, and geopolitical tensions.7

However, the paradox is that consumers keep spending. Last Tuesday’s retail sales report showed consumer spending rose 1.7 percent in March, the highest monthly rise in more than 3 years.8

This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.

Wednesday: Durable Goods. Housing Starts (Feb+Mar)*. Building Permits (Feb+Mar)*. U.S. Trade Balance in Goods. Retail & Wholesale Inventories. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference.

Thursday: GDP (Q1). Weekly Jobless Claims. Employment Cost Index. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index. Leading Economic Indicators.

*indicates federal data release delayed by government shutdown

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; April 24, 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
Monday: Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CAD)

Tuesday: Visa Inc. (V), The Coca-Cola Company (KO), T-Mobile-US, Inc. (TMUS), Corning Incorporated (GLW), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), Welltower Inc. (WELL), S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Spotify Technology (SPOT)

Wednesday: Alphabet Inc. (GOOG/GOOGL), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), AbbVie, Inc. (ABBV), KLA Corporation (KLAC), Amphenol Corporation (APH), Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM), Equinix, Inc. (EQIX)

Thursday: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Mastercard Incorporated (MA), Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Merck & CO., Inc. (MRK), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), ConocoPhillips (COP), Sandisk Corporation (SNDK), Western Digital Corporation (WDC), Stryker Corporation (SYK), Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH), Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), The Southern Company (SO)

Friday: Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (BRK.A/BRK.B), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), Chevron Corporation (CVX)

Source: Zacks, April 24, 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.

Source: YCharts.com, April 25, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24. 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.

Weekly Market Insights | Records Fall as S&P 500 Tops 7,100Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an ...
04/21/2026

Weekly Market Insights | Records Fall as S&P 500 Tops 7,100

Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 6.84 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.19 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 2.15 percent.1,2

Shift to “Risk-On” from “Risk-Off”
Stocks continued to ride the hopeful sentiment of a ceasefire at the start of last week, with all three averages advancing. The S&P 500 has recouped all its losses since the start of the war.3

Momentum accelerated through midweek as investors shifted from “risk-off” to “risk-on.” The White House signaled that the war was “very close to over” amid reports that further talks were under discussion.

At Wednesday’s close, the S&P advanced for the 10th time out of the last 11 trading sessions, while the Nasdaq marked its 11th straight close in the green.4

Stocks pushed higher again on Thursday, with the Nasdaq recording its longest winning streak since 2009. The week wrapped on a high note after Iran’s foreign minister announced the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” as negotiations continue. Oil prices dropped by roughly 10 percent on Friday, sparking another solid day on Wall Street.5,6

Record-Setting Week
Last week was one for record-breaking. By midweek, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit all-time highs. The S&P broke 7,000 for the first time, while the Nasdaq topped 24,000 for the first time.

The shift from “risk-off” to “risk-on” pushed the S&P over the 7,100 threshold for the first time on Friday. And the Nasdaq ended the week on a 13-day win streak, the longest positive streak since 1992. The Dow Industrials closed at 49,447.43, just below its all-time high set in early February 2026.7

This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Retail Sales. Business Inventories. Leading Economic Indicators. Pending Home Sales.

Wednesday: EIA Petroleum Report. Atlanta Fed Business Inflation Expectations.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Services. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Manufacturing. Fed Balance Sheet. EIA Natural Gas Report.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; April 17, 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: GE Aerospace (GE), UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), RTX Corporation (RTX), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG), Danaher Corporation (DHR), Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR), Capital One Financial Corporation (COF), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

Wednesday: Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), Lam Research Corporation (LRCX), GE Vernova Inc. (GEV), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN), AT&T Inc. (T), The Boeing Company (BA), Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT), CME Group Inc. (CME)

Thursday: Intel Corporation (INTC), American Express (AXP), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO), NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), Honeywell International Inc. (HON), Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT), Newmont Corporation (NEM), Comcast Corporation (CMCSA)

Friday: The Procter & Gamble Company (PG), Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO), HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)

Source: Zacks, April 17, 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.

Source: YCharts.com, April 18, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17. 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.

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