Unify Financial Advisors Weekly Market Update
Weekly Highlights
The S&P 500 rose 5.27% last week and is up 1.3% year-to-date. Broad participation across sectors reflects investor confidence around easing China trade tensions and muted inflation reports.
April inflation data offered a mixed view. Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose just 0.2% month-over-month, helped by cooling services inflation. However, import-heavy categories saw increases, hinting at uneven tariff pass-through. The Producer Price Index (PPI) fell 0.5%, its biggest drop in five years, indicating that producers may absorb some tariff-driven input costs.
Retail sales rose 0.1% in April from the previous month and 5.2% from a year ago. Housing starts increased 1.6%, but housing remains under pressure as higher mortgage rates weigh on affordability.
Looking Ahead
This week, investors will focus on the manufacturing PMI Index for economic momentum driven by manufacturing, while new home sales will provide fresh insight into housing demand.
For a more detailed analysis of last week’s markets and economic trends, check out the latest issue of Market Week.
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Regards,
David Bennett