The S&P 500 recorded its second straight week of gains, rising 1.5 percent as positive job data and renewed geopolitical tension between Donald Trump and Elon Musk stirred investor sentiment. The Dow Jones added 1.2 percent and the Nasdaq surged 2.2 percent.
Despite higher US Treasury yields, the 10-year benchmark stabilized, closing the week with a 4.5 percent increase. Strong labor figures continue to reassure markets even as political drama escalates.
Most sectors ended the week in the green:
- Communication Services and Technology led the gains
- Energy jumped 2.2 percent following rising oil prices and signs of revived trade talks between the US and China
- Materials rose 1.4 percent, with steelmakers gaining from new tariffs
Not every corner of the market benefited. Consumer Discretionary slipped 0.6 percent, weighed down by Tesla and Lululemon. The sportswear brand slashed its full-year profit forecast due to weak demand and cost pressure from Trump’s trade policies.
In a separate highlight, Circle Internet, the company behind a major stablecoin, made a strong public market debut. The IPO was one of the most talked-about moments in fintech this week.
Year-to-date, sector performances paint a divided picture:
- Industrials gained 9.7 percent
- Communication Services rose 6.5 percent
- Energy declined 3.4 percent
- Consumer Discretionary dropped 6.8 percent
Wall Street appears cautiously optimistic. Strong earnings, stable job creation, and strategic positioning in global trade are supporting the indices. But with policy uncertainty still looming, market volatility is far from over.
