Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.55 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.58 percent.^1,2

April: Best Month in Five Years for S&P, Nasdaq

Markets were under pressure early in the week as investors focused on stalled peace talks and rising oil prices.³

But midweek, momentum shifted. First, the Fed announced it was holding interest rates steady, as expected, but there was some dissent over the decision. Then investors' attention focused on Wednesday’s closing bell, when several big-name companies reported Q1 results.⁴

Investors mostly liked what they heard, and stock prices rose, ending April on a high note. The Dow led the broad market rally while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each logged their best monthly performances in 5 years.⁵

Stocks rose again on Friday as oil prices fell. Investors applauded Q1 results from another high-profile megacap tech company, which helped the S&P notch another all-time intraday high.⁶

Fed News

The Federal Reserve voted 8-4 to keep interest rates steady at the April meeting, leaving the Federal Funds Rate at a 3.5 to 3.75 percent target range. Market observers were quick to point out that the 8-4 decision was the Federal Open Market Committee’s most divided vote since 1992.⁷

At the last FOMC press conference of his eight-year tenure, Fed Chair Powell announced he would stay on as a Fed governor after his term as Chair expires on May 15. Earlier that day, the Senate Banking Committee confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair, setting up a final confirmation vote in the Senate.⁷

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: New York Fed President John Williams speaks.

Tuesday: Trade Balance. Job Openings. New Home Sales (Feb* + March). ISM Services. Federal Reserve speeches: Michelle Bowman, Michael Barr.

Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Productivity. Construction Spending (Feb* + March). Consumer Credit. Federal Reserve speeches: Neel Kashkari, John Williams.

Friday: Fed governor Lisa Cook speaks. U.S. Employment Report. Wholesale Inventories. Consumer Sentiment. Fed panel: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, Fed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller. 

^{* indicates federal data release delayed by government shutdown}

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; May 1, 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 Earnings

Monday: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Wednesday: The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), AppLovin Corporation (APP), CVS Health Corporation (CVS)

Thursday: McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), McKesson Corporation (MCK)

^{Source: Zacks, May 1, 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.}

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few."

– George Washington

IRS Offers Free Tax-Prep Option for Military Personnel 

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service takes a moment to remind active duty military personnel that the “IRS Free File” offers them multiple choices for free federal tax preparation.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁸

Four Tips to Help You Sleep Better

Sleep is one of the most important things we do to stay healthy and energized. Much more goes into getting a good night’s sleep than simply resting your head on the pillow, so here are some tips for getting your shut-eye:

• Increase bright light exposure during the day. You probably already know that it helps to keep your room dark while you sleep, but did you know it’s also beneficial to get enough bright light during the day? These contrasts tell your body when it’s time to go to sleep. This natural clock is called your circadian rhythm.
• Reduce blue light exposure in the evening. The blue light emitted by our devices (smartphones, tablets, and TVs) can disrupt your sleep cycle. Try to limit blue light at least two hours before bedtime. Some devices offer a setting that automatically “warms” the light to limit these blue hues.
• Try to wake up and sleep consistently, even on weekends, as this is another way to set up your body’s circadian rhythm for success.
• Adjust your bedroom temperature. Did you know that the temperature in your bedroom can affect your sleep? Some studies show that temperature matters even more than noise. 

Tip adapted from Centers for Disease Control⁹

Katherine and Sterling each have the same number of pears. How many pears does Katherine need to give Sterling so that Sterling has 10 more pears than she does?

Last Week's Riddle: I am astonishingly light, but even the strongest person in the world can only hold me for a few minutes. What am I?

Answer: Air.

Phoenicopterus Roseus (pink flamingo) 

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.44 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 2.75 percent.^1,2

Mixed Markets As Investors Look Ahead

Stocks began the week lower after tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend. They remained under pressure through Tuesday’s close as Wednesday’s expiration of the ceasefire loomed.³

Markets opened higher on Wednesday as investors cheered a ceasefire extension, while solid Q1 corporate earnings results boosted market momentum. Oil prices rose above $100/barrel, and all three major stock averages closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq logging new all-time highs.⁴

The S&P and Nasdaq recovered from a slump in software stocks, while higher oil prices put stocks under pressure, logging fresh intraday highs along the way. Investors appeared increasingly desensitized to the Middle East conflict.^5,6

Consumer Paradox

Fresh news on Friday showed consumer sentiment slipped to an all-time low in April. Consumers may be thinking about inflation, the job market, and geopolitical tensions.⁷

However, the paradox is that consumers keep spending. Last Tuesday’s retail sales report showed consumer spending rose 1.7 percent in March, the highest monthly rise in more than 3 years.⁸

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.

Wednesday: Durable Goods. Housing Starts (Feb+Mar)*. Building Permits (Feb+Mar)*. U.S. Trade Balance in Goods. Retail & Wholesale Inventories. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Press Conference.

Thursday: GDP (Q1). Weekly Jobless Claims. Employment Cost Index. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index. Leading Economic Indicators.

*indicates federal data release delayed by government shutdown

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; April 24, 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 Earnings

Monday: Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CAD)

Tuesday: Visa Inc. (V), The Coca-Cola Company (KO), T-Mobile-US, Inc. (TMUS), Corning Incorporated (GLW), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), Welltower Inc. (WELL), S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Spotify Technology (SPOT)

Wednesday: Alphabet Inc. (GOOG/GOOGL), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), AbbVie, Inc. (ABBV), KLA Corporation (KLAC), Amphenol Corporation (APH), Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM), Equinix, Inc. (EQIX)

Thursday: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Mastercard Incorporated (MA), Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Merck & CO., Inc. (MRK), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), ConocoPhillips (COP), Sandisk Corporation (SNDK), Western Digital Corporation (WDC), Stryker Corporation (SYK), Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH), Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), The Southern Company (SO)

Friday: Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (BRK.A/BRK.B), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), Chevron Corporation (CVX)  

^{Source: Zacks, April 24, 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.}

“Always it's spring and everyone's in love and flowers pick themselves.”

– E.E. Cummings

Reporting Cash Payments

Are you expecting a little extra cash from a sale? The IRS would like to know. Individuals, corporations, and partnerships engaged in a trade or business must report cash transactions of more than $10,000.

These cash payments can include jewelry sales, an overseas purchase, or any other cash transaction. You also need to report cash payments received in one lump sum, in two or more related payments within 24 hours, or as part of a single transaction or two or more transactions in the last year. 

File Form 8300, titled Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business. This form requires information about the benefactor and the recipient of the cash, a description of the transaction, and information about any other parties involved.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁹

The Health Benefits Of A Meat-Free Day

The overwhelming health benefits of a plant-based diet are clear, but becoming entirely vegetarian or vegan is not for everyone. Luckily, one can still enjoy many health benefits by being “meat-free” for just one day per week. Here are some of the main benefits of this healthy lifestyle transition:

• You’ll be reducing your consumption of potentially dangerous processed meat – According to the World Health Organization, processed meats rank alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer.
• You’ll decrease your risk of heart disease—Coronary heart disease is linked to a meat-based diet, and most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by switching to a plant-based diet.
• You’ll be ingesting more vitamins, minerals, and fiber – On your meat-free days, you will likely prioritize other foods such as veggies, fruits, whole grains, and other plant-based products. This variety will help you round out your diet.

These are merely a few benefits of being meat-free for a day. Want more inspiration? Google “Meatless Monday” for recipe suggestions. 

Tip adapted from MindFood.com¹⁰

I am astonishingly light, but even the strongest person in the world can only hold me for a few minutes. What am I?

Last Week's Riddle: What 8-letter name would be cute and logical for a house cat living below the Mason-Dixon line?

Answer: Southpaw.

Phoenicopterus Roseus (pink flamingo) Alar de Uyuni district, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia