Stocks rose over the shortened trading week as investors digested developments in the Middle East while the Fed held short-term rates steady. Dow Hits 52,000The week began with stocks rising and oil prices falling after the White House announced that the U.S. and Iran had reached an agreement over the weekend. All three major averages climbed on Monday, ranging from 1 to 3 percent gains, while crude prices declined by roughly 5 percent.3 Become a valued client of Castle Financial to receive our more Comprehensive Weekly Global Macro Updates. Call us at 732-888-4994 to schedule an introductory call and second opinion. Among my many creditials, I am a Certified Financial Fiduciary always acting in the best interests of our valued clients. |
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Source: YCharts.com, June 20, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, June 12 to Thursday, June 18. 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. |
Fed Holds, Hints at Future HikeAs expected, the Fed held rates steady at its June meeting, keeping the Fed Funds Rate at a 3.5 to 3.75 percent target range. This Week: Key Economic DataTuesday: Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Services. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Manufacturing. Wednesday: New Home Sales. Leading Economic Indicators. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index. Durable Goods. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—Q1 revision. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Friday: Trade Balance in Goods. Retail Inventories. Wholesale Inventories. Consumer Sentiment. Source: Investor’s Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: June 18, 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: FedEx Corporation (FDX) Wednesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) Source: Zacks, June 18, 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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"Character is much easier kept than recovered." – Thomas Paine |
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Avocados: So Much More Than ToastBy now, avocado toast is practically a classic, but this creamy, nutrient-dense fruit has plenty more to offer. Rich in healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, avocados are as good for you as they are versatile. Swap out mayonnaise for mashed avocado in sandwiches and wraps, blend it into a smoothie for a silky texture boost, or stir it into pasta as a dairy-free sauce base. Once you start thinking of avocado as a cooking ingredient rather than just a topping, the possibilities are endless. Tip adapted from Healthline8 Sicily, Italy: History, Food, and Hidden ConnectionsSicily is one of those destinations that gets under your skin in the best possible way. Whether you're tracing family roots, savoring world-class cuisine, or simply wandering through ancient hilltop villages, this southern Italian island rewards slow, curious travel. Stay in a boutique hotel, rent a private villa, or spend an afternoon cooking with a local family; the island's warmth and character shine through at every turn. With major airports in both Palermo and Catania, getting there is easier than you might expect. Tip adapted from TravelandLeisure.com9 |
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What force and strength cannot get through, it with gentle touch can do. People in many halls would stand were it not in their hand. What is it? Last Week's Riddle: Your mother’s brother’s only brother-in-law is taking a picture of you. How is he more closely related to you? Answer: He is also your father. |
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Floriano Falls, Iguazu Falls Paraná, Brazil |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, June 18, 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.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the Nasdaq stock market and considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
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