FINANCIAL MARKET  WEEK:  (as of market close July 21, 2023)

Financial Market Week Review:  Last week saw stocks close generally higher, with only the tech-heavy Nasdaq slipping lower. The Dow extended its winning streak to 10 straight sessions, its longest run since August 2017. Investors, probably anticipating another 25.0 basis-point hike from the Federal Reserve this week, moved from information technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary shares to more defensive sectors such as health care, utilities, and consumer staples. Long-term bond prices remained relatively stable for the week, with yields on 10-year Treasuries inching up 2.0 basis points. The dollar rebounded last week after sliding over 2.0% the prior week. The labor market remained strong, with jobless claims (see below) coming in lower than expected, which reduces the risk of recession and strengthens the dollar. Crude oil prices advanced again last week, keeping July's streak of weekly increases intact.

Stocks opened higher last week as investors looked ahead to the start of corporate earnings season. Traders looked past a disappointing report on China's gross domestic product, instead focusing on hopes that waning inflation may quell fears of a recession.

The small caps of the Russell 2000 gained 1.0%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.9% to lead the benchmark indexes listed here.

• 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.