FINANCIAL STOCK MARKET  WEEK - Market Week: February 24, 2025

Stock Market Week, "Wall Street saw stocks close lower," by Wendy Nelson 

Market Week: February 24, 2025

The Markets (as of market close February 21, 2025)

Wall Street saw stocks close lower last week as investors soured on risk following the release of weaker-than-expected economic data and inflation worries. Each of the benchmark indexes ended the week in the red. Among the market sectors, consumer discretionary and communication services underperformed. Bond prices moved higher on increased demand, dragging yields lower. Crude oil prices declined for the third straight week. The dollar index ticked lower, while gold prices advanced.

The U.S. stock market was closed last Monday in recognition of Presidents' Day. However, stocks rose last Tuesday with each of the benchmark indexes listed here closing higher. The Global Dow added 0.4% to lead the way. The Russell 2000 gained 0.3%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, reaching a new record. The NASDAQ ticked up 0.1%. The Dow inched up less than 0.1%. Energy stocks outperformed, offsetting weakness in consumer discretionary and communication services stocks. Yields on 10-year Treasuries edged up to 4.54%. Crude oil prices gained 1.5% to settle at $71.79 per barrel. The dollar index gained 0.4% against a basket of currencies, while gold jumped 1.7% as it neared $3,000.00 per ounce.

The benchmark indexes closed mostly higher last Wednesday. The S&P 500 and the Dow each gained 0.2%, while the NASDAQ rose 0.1%. The Global Dow (-0.5%) and the Russell 2000 (-0.3%) declined. Health care and consumer staples led the market sectors, while materials underperformed. Ten-year Treasury yields ticked lower, closing at 4.53%. Crude oil prices climbed to $72.30 per barrel. The dollar and gold prices inched higher.

Stocks lost value last Thursday after a major retailer's disappointing profit outlook stirred concerns about economic growth. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here trended lower, led by the Dow, which lost 1.0%. The Russell 2000 fell 0.9%, the NASDAQ dropped 0.5%, the S&P 500 declined 0.4%, and the Global Dow slipped 0.2%. Ten-year Treasury yields fell to 4.50%. Crude oil prices rose to $72.53 per barrel. The dollar index declined 0.8%, while gold prices rose 0.6%.

Last Friday saw stocks plunge lower. The Russell 2000 (-2.6%) and the NASDAQ (-2.2%) led the declines, followed by the Dow and the S&P 500, which each lost 1.7%. The Global Dow slipped 0.4%. Ten-year Treasury yields fell 8.0 basis points. Crude oil prices dropped 3.1%. The dollar index inched up 0.3%, while gold prices declined 0.2%.

• STOCK MARKET INDEXES
• LAST WEEK'S ECONOMIC NEWS
• EYE ON THE WEEK AHEAD

Wendy Nelson, CEO of Wind River Wealth Advisors, aims to provide beneficial investment management, retirement planning, financial planning, asset management, and portfolio management to protect your money with knowledgeable strategies and plans by utilizing a personal independent financial advisor.