Market Week: August 31, 2026

The Markets (as of market close August 28, 2026)

Major U.S. stocks ended the last full week of trading in August modestly higher. Strong AI company earnings boosted tech shares, while the war with Iran, persistent inflation, and a more hawkish Federal Reserve dampened investor enthusiasm for risk. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, in his speech at the Jackson Hole Summit, noted that while inflation numbers had been better than expected lately, recent data was not enough to demonstrate sufficient improvement in overall price pressures to warrant softening of the Fed's current monetary policy. Communication services, financials, information technology, consumer discretionary, and materials led the market sectors. Crude oil prices dipped lower as improving transport through the Strait of Hormuz reduced perceived supply risk.

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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.