Stocks were mixed last week as markets continued to navigate geopolitical concerns and new signals about short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged up 0.09 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.40 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.27 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, skidded 0.25 percent.1,2 Market Gyrations ContinueStocks fell modestly, and oil prices rose at the start of the week after renewed tensions in the Middle East put investors on edge. Longer-maturity Treasury bond yields also rose, adding pressure on stocks.3 Stocks remained under pressure as global bond yields rose, with traders fretting that higher oil prices would stoke broader inflation. Benchmark government bond yields for the U.S., Germany, and Japan hit 20-month, 15-year, and 30-year highs, respectively.3 But midweek, stocks rebounded after Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggested that the Fed might leave interest rates unchanged at its meeting later this month. Each major average gained 1 percent or more.4,5 Before Friday’s opening, the Labor Department's nonfarm payrolls report showed job growth was stronger than expected in August. Stocks were under pressure all day as traders saw the job report as a reason that the Fed might consider adjusting rates later this month.6 Gold futures declined approximately 1.2%, finishing near $4,477 per ounce. Stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data increased expectations for tighter Federal Reserve policy, lifting Treasury yields and pressuring gold. Oil: WTI crude surged approximately 9.7%, rising from $83.40 to $91.48 per barrel. Renewed U.S. and IRGC hostilities leading to concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz produced a substantial geopolitical-risk premium. Bonds: Broad investment-grade bonds declined approximately 0.5%, based on the AGG ETF. The 10-year Treasury yield rose from 4.72% to approximately 4.78%, as rising oil prices and strong employment data heightened inflation and interest-rate concerns. The US Dollar Index declined approximately 0.5% for the week to 99.18, despite rebounding after Friday’s strong jobs report. Strength in the Japanese yen and concerns about U.S. fiscal and trade policy weighed on the dollar earlier in the week. Bitcoin gained approximately 2.3%, ending the week near $79,650. It experienced significant volatility, rallying above $82,000 Thursday before giving back part of the advance on Friday as yields rose. Ethereum advanced approximately 0.5% to $2,455. It followed Bitcoin’s volatile pattern but produced a smaller weekly gain as higher interest rates continued to limit enthusiasm for risk-sensitive assets. Overall, oil was the clear outperformer, while gold and bonds weakened under pressure from rising yields and renewed expectations of tighter Federal Reserve policy. On a positive note, a US peace envoy with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Putin in Moscow and then Zelenskyy in Kyiv over the holiday weekend. Putin told an economic forum in East Russia on Thursday that there was a "chance" for peace with Ukraine. Fingers crossed . . . . Now more than ever you need a seasoned and wise financial advisor to navigate today's rapidly evolving and also complex and confusing markets. Someone who will remain calm and knows how to embrace the volatility to invest wisely for the future. If you are not already a valued client of Castle Financial, give us a call at 732-888-4994 for an introduction and second opinion. Among my many credentials, I am a Certified Financial Fiduciary always acting in the best interests of our valued clients and also well qualified to knock it out of the park managing assets as a former co-manager of a 5 Star Rated Fund by Morningstar. |
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Source: YCharts.com, September 5, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, August 31 to Friday, September 4. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points. |
Jobs UpdateWednesday’s ADP National Employment Report showed private-sector hiring slowed in August, as companies added only 38,000 jobs.7 That was one of the reasons why Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report surprised investors. The entire U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in August. That was triple the 53,000 job gain economists expected and the biggest jump in 5 months. The unemployment rate also remained unchanged at a historically low 4.1 percent.8 This Week: Key Economic DataTuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Credit. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Producer Price Index (PPI). Monthly Wholesale Trade. Existing Home Sales. Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). University of Michigan Consumer Survey. Monthly Treasury Balance. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; September 4, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision. This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsTuesday: Oracle Corporation (ORCL) Thursday: Adobe Inc. (ADBE) Source: Zacks, September 4, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice. |
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“Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is all right, as long as your values don't change.” – Jane Goodall |
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Turn AI into a Real Thought PartnerAI tends to agree with whatever you say, which isn't always helpful. To get more honest, challenging feedback, try adding this to your AI assistant's custom instructions: "Provide incisive feedback that pushes the boundaries of my thinking. Challenge assumptions while showing genuine intellectual curiosity and partnership." It's a small change that transforms AI from a yes-person into a genuine sounding board. Tip adapted from creatoreconomy.so9 Health Benefits of GarlicNot only is garlic delicious, but it also confers many potential health benefits. One of the most potent benefits of garlic is that it may bolster your immune system and help you combat sickness, including the common cold. One large 12-week study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared to a placebo. The average length of cold symptoms was also reduced by 70%, from 5 days in the placebo group to 1.5 days in the garlic group. Garlic may also improve cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. Garlic may reduce both total and LDL cholesterol (otherwise known as the "bad" cholesterol). Therefore, consider adding a few garlic cloves next time you make your favorite dish. Tip adapted from Healthline.com10 |
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How do you spell “hard water” using only three letters? A man bet his neighbor that his dog could jump higher than his neighbor’s hedge. The neighbor accepted the bet and lost. Why? Answer: A hedge cannot jump. |
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Gardens By The Bay |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, September 4, 2026 |
Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.
The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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