Insights

Wall Street experienced a strong Thanksgiving week, largely erasing losses from the preceding volatile period. Increasing hopes of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next month helped fuel the rally. After a shaky few weeks, tech stocks surged last week, driving the NASDAQ to its largest weekly gain in quite some time.

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Volatility continued to characterize the stock market last week. Wall Street endured significant swings driven by a mix of key corporate earnings reports, important economic data following the government’s reopening, and shifting expectations for the Federal Reserve interest rate policy.

The Fed cut rates for the second consecutive meeting, and although another cut this year remains uncertain, history suggests that easing policy amid strong markets often supports further gains.

Last week was marked by the re-opening of the U.S. government after a prolonged shutdown. However, despite a significant boost to the stock market at the beginning of the week, the positive momentum waned as the week progressed as investors were concerned about high valuation of AI stocks and uncertainty over Federal Reserve policy.

The multi-week bull run ended last week, halted by a notable selloff of tech stocks. The NASDAQ experienced a sharp correction, driven by concerns of overpricing and high valuations, particularly in the technology sector.

Stocks moved generally higher last week, largely driven by solid corporate earnings from some big tech firms. The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ each reached record highs during the week, extending a significant rally.

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