Peakfolio Team
Aug 18, 2025
Between August 11 and August 18, markets bounced back from the prior week’s losses as robust retail sales data and upbeat earnings reignited investor optimism.
Consumer-focused sectors led the rebound, with retail giants posting stronger-than-expected quarterly results and reporting resilient demand despite higher borrowing costs. The S&P 500 rose more than 1.5% for the week, while the Nasdaq outperformed as growth stocks recovered from earlier weakness. Energy also saw gains, supported by a rebound in oil prices after several weeks of declines.
While sentiment improved, traders remain alert to potential headwinds — particularly from the Federal Reserve’s messaging and global supply chain pressures. Still, the latest data underscored the strength of U.S. consumers, helping to reinforce confidence that the economy may continue to avoid a sharper slowdown heading into the fall.