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 GainsStocks 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 SurpriseEmployers 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 DataMonday: 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 EarningsMonday: 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. |
 |
More Digital Choices For FilingThe IRS has made it easier to file your taxes. Forms now include electronic signature options, allowing tax professionals to conduct remote transactions. To allow your tax professional to use the electronic signature option, you must fill out and submit Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. This form constitutes a written authorization appointing tax professionals to represent taxpayers before the IRS, including performing certain acts on the taxpayer’s behalf. These acts may include providing an electronic signature. This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues. Tip adapted from IRS.gov9 |
 |
Hydrate the Healthy WayAre you trying to kick a soda habit but sick of water? There are many fun and healthy means to make your water taste better and encourage you to drink more. Here are some easy ways to spice up your normal water: Add fresh fruit slices, such as lemon, lime, or orange. Not only will these fruits make your water taste better, but you may also enjoy some of the benefits of these citrus powerhouses. Add some sliced cucumber to your water to make it feel pampered. Who needs the spa when you have a nice glass of cucumber water sitting at your desk? Try some sugar-free, low-calorie water sweeteners. They are an appealing option for those who have a sweet tooth and crave soda but are trying to drink more water. Mix it up with sparkling water or seltzer if you miss the fizz of soda. Most sparkling waters are calorie-free or low in calories while keeping you hydrated. It would help to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. What are some of your favorite methods to make water more exciting? Tip adapted from Baton Rouge Clinic10 |
 |
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. –William Shakespeare |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, May 8, 2026 |
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.
The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.
The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the Nasdaq stock market and considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.
Please consult your financial professional for additional information.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Copyright 2026 FMG Suite.