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

• Update Your Family’s Emergency Strategy: These can include knowing where to go, where you keep all necessary documents and possessions, and what you need to be prepared for. Check these regularly, as circumstances can change. 
• Create Digital Copies of Important Documents: Most financial organizations, such as banks and insurance companies, provide digital copies of bank statements, tax returns, and insurance policies anyway, and keeping all these digital copies saved and organized is an excellent practice to get into. If you only have paper copies of important documents, scan them and store them securely for emergency access.
• Document Valuables: Documenting valuables makes it easier to claim insurance and tax benefits after a natural disaster. A disaster loss workbook will help you compile a list of belongings and photographs that can make this process even more accessible for both the IRS and your insurance provider. 

Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 4.44 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 2.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 2.59 percent over the four trading days through last Thursday.¹

Stocks Rebound

Stocks were under pressure to start the week. Investors looked past comments from Fed Chair Powell that inflation expectations "appear to be well anchored beyond the short term" despite concerns over the Middle East conflict's potential inflationary effects.^2,3

However, sentiment shifted on Tuesday with stocks closing out Q1 on a high note, reflecting renewed investor hope for an end to the conflict. The S&P 500 posted its best day since May of last year.⁴

Momentum continued into Wednesday, with comments from the White House that gave investors more confidence that a resolution was coming. A stronger-than-expected retail sales report also buoyed enthusiasm.

Stocks dipped but then rallied on Thursday, ending the session with a slight gain and helping stock prices break a 5-week losing streak.^5,6

Jobs Update

U.S. stock markets were closed on Friday, but investors were on the lookout for the March jobs report.

Employers added 178,000 jobs in March, an unexpected increase that marked the best month in over a year. Economists expected a gain of 59,000 jobs. Unemployment fell to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent in February.⁷

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Durable Goods (Feb). Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Consumer Credit (Feb).

Wednesday: FOMC March meeting minutes released.

Thursday: Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index (Feb). Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), second revision. Weekly Jobless Claims. Wholesale Inventories (Feb).

Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Factory Orders (Feb). Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; April 3, 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

Wednesday: Delta Airlines, Inc. (DAL)

^{Source: Zacks, April 3, 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.}

"Thus every action must be due to one or other of seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reasoning, anger, or appetite."

– Aristotle

Keep These Tips in Mind When Selling a Home

If you are selling your home, you may be able to exclude the sale’s capital gain from your tax return. The first thing to consider is the home’s ownership and use. To claim the exclusion, you must have owned the house and used it as your primary residence for at least two years.

If you are selling your main home, you can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain for single filers and up to $500,000 for joint filers from your return. If you own more than one home, you can exclude only the gains on selling your primary home. However, the loss is generally not deductible if you sell your home at a loss. You can also choose not to claim exclusion, in which case you must report the gain on your tax return.

Some taxpayers must also report forgiven or canceled debt as income on their tax return, including debt forgiven or canceled through foreclosure or other processes in which a lender cancels mortgage debt on the home.

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

Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal 

A gratitude journal is a great way to practice giving thanks for even the small things in life. We all have things we’re thankful for, and regularly acknowledging them helps us stay present and grateful. 

• Are you looking to start a gratitude journal? These tips will help you get started and love the practice.
• The first thing to do is to get some beautiful stationery and pens that make you happy every time you look at them.
• Once you have suitable materials, start with a prompt. Most people initially writing a gratitude journal don’t know where to start. Using a simple prompt will get your gratitude juices flowing.
• When thinking about things you’re grateful for, focus on depth over breadth. Rather than listing several small items, detail the things you’re more grateful for.
• Try subtraction, not just addition, when considering things you’re grateful for. Reflect on what your life would be like without them.
• Don’t overdo it and burn yourself out. Journaling once or twice a week rather than every day may be more effective, especially as you build the habit. 

Keeping a gratitude journal encourages us to pay attention to the good things we’d otherwise take for granted.

Tip adapted from Good Magazine⁹

I never complain, no matter where I am led; I go around in circles, yet move straight ahead. What am I?

Last Week's Riddle: I sleep by day and fly by night, with no feathers to aid my flight. What am I? 

Answer: A bat.

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul, Turkey

Stocks ended a challenging week lower as investors' attention shifted from updates on ceasefire talks to concerns about the economic impact of a protracted conflict.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 2.12 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 3.23 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.90 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, ended the week flat (-0.05 percent).^1,2

Challenging Week

Stocks opened higher to start the week as fresh optimism for a resolution to the Middle East conflict permeated market sentiment, and no further news on Iraq’s force majeure declaration appeared to help momentum. Both the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 booked their best day since early February as the White House reported "very good and productive conversations" to end hostilities.³

Markets were under pressure on Tuesday but staged a recovery rally midweek amid reports that Pakistan was mediating ceasefire talks. All three major averages posted solid gains, though it appeared that retail investors remained on the sidelines.⁴

The upbeat sentiment was short-lived. Markets were under steady pressure Thursday despite news after the close of trading that the White House was extending the previous pause on military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days. The selling picked up on Friday. The Nasdaq and Dow Industrials fell into correction territory, while the S&P suffered its longest weekly losing streak in almost four years.⁵

Sector Spotlight

Some investors have turned to energy stocks during the volatility. At the close of trading, 19 energy stocks in the S&P 500 traded at their 52-week highs.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: New York Fed President John Williams speaks.

Tuesday: S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index* (Jan.). Consumer Confidence. Job Openings. Fed speeches: Austan Goolsbee (Chicago), Michael Barr, Michelle Bowman. 

Wednesday: Retail Sales* (Feb.). ADP Employment Report. Business Inventories* (Jan.). PMI—Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. EIA Petroleum Status Report. Fed speeches: Alberto Musalem (St. Louis), Michael Barr.

Thursday:  Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Feb.). Fed official Lorie Logan speaks. Factory Orders. EIA Natural Gas Report. Motor Vehicle Sales. Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday:  Employment Report. PMI—Services.

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

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: March 27, 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

Wednesday: Nike, Inc. (NKE), McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC/MKC.V) 

^{Source: Zacks, March 27, 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.}

"Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable."

– Maya Angelou

IRS Program Helps Seniors Prepare Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a Free File tool that provides online tax preparation, direct deposit of refunds, and electronic filing choices. This tool can be helpful for taxpayers on a fixed budget, including seniors and retirees. Here are some things to know about the tool:

IRS Free File is available at IRS.gov and features some of the biggest names in tax software.

To use the tool, taxpayers can browse multiple offers. 
The eligibility standards for Free File vary by tax partner but are usually based on income, age, and state residency. 
Free File has the most common forms needed to file your taxes. Even if you have a unique tax situation, you may still be able to use Free File. 
Some Free File products are available in Spanish.
You can also search for credits and deductions in Free File.
Some providers in Free File also offer state return preparation. You can use the lookup tool in Free File to find the tax partner that might be appropriate for your state requirements. 
Taxpayers can access Free File through their computers, smartphones, or tablets. The site is designed for mobile usage. 

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

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

Aloe Vera: One Powerful Plant

Aloe vera is one of those medicinal plants that can be used for almost everything. It is a cactus-type plant that grows well in many climates and has thick, juicy leaves that store water. Because of this, aloe vera is loved for its hydrating properties. Let's look at aloe's many benefits and how you can include it in your daily routine.

The thick, sticky gel in aloe leaves contains powerful bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. 

Aloe vera is also known for its healing properties. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties may help heal wounds and treat skin problems. It can also be used as a topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns.  

Tip adapted from Medical News Today⁸

I sleep by day and fly by night, with no feathers to aid my flight. What am I? 

Last Week's Riddle: What comes at the end of a rainbow?   

Answer: The letter W.

Vanessa Virginiensis (American Lady Butterfly)

Eastampton, NJ, United States