Weekly Review (May 13-17)

STOCKS

This week, US stocks jumped to record highs amid signs of slowing inflation. All three major stock indexes finished at their highest-ever levels for the first time in nearly two months on Wednesday. The consumer price index increased 0.3% from March, slightly below the estimate of 0.4%. Consumer prices are still rising 3.4% from a year ago. A weaker-than-expected CPI number increased the chance of a rate cut by the Fed. After the report, around 70% of traders expect at least one cut by the September meeting. However, risk sentiment has deteriorated across the financial markets overnight after Fed officials suggested that rates may need to stay higher for longer even as inflation shows signs of easing. The Dow Jones finished the day 0.1% lower, the S&P 500 index slipped 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.3%. Despite the weak end to the session, the indexes are on track to end the week with gains. For the week, the S&P 500 is up 1.4%, the Dow gains 0.9%, and the Nasdaq is up 2.2%.