Peakfolio Team
May 19, 2025
Between May 12 and May 19, markets regained composure after a turbulent week, as investors weighed mixed economic data and looked ahead to the Federal Reserve’s next policy update.
After several sessions of choppy trading, the major indices found footing midweek, helped by solid retail earnings and cooler producer price data that eased some inflation anxiety. The S&P 500 edged slightly higher for the week, while the Nasdaq gained more ground, supported by renewed strength in large-cap tech. Energy and industrial sectors lagged, reflecting ongoing uncertainty around global demand and trade policy.
Despite the modest recovery, caution remains a defining feature of the current market. Traders are closely monitoring Fed commentary for hints on timing of rate adjustments, with sentiment still tethered to inflation and labor trends. For now, stability has returned — but the market’s next decisive move will depend on how policymakers balance inflation control with growth preservation.