Market Week: February 23, 2026

The Markets (as of market close February 20, 2026)

U.S. equities spent most of last week trending lower, ultimately rebounding in a major way last Friday to close the week higher. Investors were in a "risk-off" mode as inflation rose while economic growth slowed notably. However, Wall Street reacted favorably to Friday's Supreme Court ruling against President Trump's tariffs. The S&P 500 surged to a one-week high, closing above 6,900, while the Dow pushed past 49,600. The tech-heavy NASDAQ snapped a five-week losing streak. Several market sectors gained more than 2.0% for the week, including industrials, communication services, and utilities. Consumer staples was the only market sector to end last week lower. Last week was also dynamic for fixed income, with Treasury yields breaking their recent downtrends and moving slightly higher as investors digested the Supreme Court ruling, sluggish economic data, and geopolitical tensions.

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

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