Stock Markets
U.S. equity markets continued their strong performance this week, with major indexes posting solid gains and multiple record closes. The broad market index ticked up 0.06% to end at 6,309.62 and notch its 11th record close in 2025. The 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 179.37 points, or 0.40%, settling at 44,502.44. However, the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite showed some weakness, slipped 0.39% and closed at 20,892.69, bogged down by declines in certain tech names.
Small-cap stocks significantly outperformed their large-cap counterparts this week. Over the seven days, the Russell is higher by 2.17%, better than the S&P 500’s 1.44% gain. In July alone, small caps are up 4.62% while large caps have gained 2.4%. This rotation into smaller companies suggests investor confidence in domestic economic growth prospects.
Several individual stocks posted exceptional weekly performance. GoPro shares have soared more than 58% so far this week, while Krispy Kreme shares have surged more than 32%. That marks the biggest weekly gains for each in their respective histories on the public market. Meanwhile, Kohl’s shares have jumped nearly 34% week to date.
The market momentum has been supported by strong earnings expectations and continued optimism around economic resilience. During Thursday’s session, 27 stocks in the S&P 500 traded at new 52-week highs. Notable companies reaching new highs included Warner Bros. Discovery, Citigroup, and Coinbase, indicating broad-based strength across multiple sectors.
U.S. Economy
Economic data this week continued to support the narrative of a resilient U.S. economy operating at or near full employment. The labor market remains tight with unemployment claims staying near historical lows. Consumer sentiment and spending patterns suggest continued economic expansion, though at a more moderate pace than earlier in the recovery.
Inflation metrics remained a key focus for investors, with market participants closely watching for signs that price pressures continue to moderate. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance remains data-dependent, with markets pricing in potential rate adjustments later in the year based on incoming economic indicators.
Corporate earnings season is underway with several major technology companies scheduled to report next week, including Alphabet and Tesla, which could provide important insights into the health of the growth sectors that have driven much of this year’s market gains.
Metals and Mining
Precious metals markets experienced consolidation this week after the strong gains seen earlier in 2025. Gold, silver & copper have had a stellar start to 2025, with prices surging across the board. As of March 6, gold has climbed a glittering 19.33%, silver is up a shiny 12.50%, and copper has posted a solid 11.44% gain.
Gold prices appear to be in a consolidation phase. Gold prices have been consolidating for few weeks between $3,291 – $3,371 where a breakout might happen soon. The precious metal continues to benefit from its role as a portfolio diversifier and hedge against economic uncertainty, though recent price action suggests investors are taking profits after the strong year-to-date performance.
Gold prices could not print new higher swing high in the latest bullish attempt. The price loss ground and move lower, indicating some near-term weakness despite the longer-term bullish trend remaining intact.
Silver has shown similar consolidation patterns, with technical analysts watching key support and resistance levels for the next directional move. Industrial metals like copper continue to reflect global economic growth expectations, with prices supported by ongoing infrastructure spending and energy transition investments.
Energy and Oil
Crude oil markets have been trading in a defined range this week. The price of crude oil mostly trading between $65.00 – $70.00 now, reflecting balanced supply and demand fundamentals. Crude Oil $68.71 represents the current pricing level, suggesting stability in the energy complex.
The oil market continues to navigate competing factors including global economic growth prospects, production levels from major oil-producing nations, and ongoing geopolitical considerations. Recent price action suggests the market has found equilibrium in the current range, though breakouts in either direction remain possible based on fundamental developments.
Energy sector stocks have participated in the broader market rally, with several oil and gas companies posting strong quarterly results that exceeded analyst expectations. The sector’s performance has been supported by disciplined capital allocation and improved operational efficiency across the industry.
Natural Gas
Natural gas markets have shown increased volatility as weather patterns and seasonal demand factors come into play. Storage levels remain within normal ranges for this time of year, though regional pricing differentials continue to reflect transportation constraints and local supply-demand imbalances.
The Henry Hub benchmark has experienced typical summer seasonality, with prices generally lower during periods of reduced heating demand but supported by increased power generation needs for cooling. Export demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to provide a price floor as global markets remain connected to U.S. production.
Pipeline capacity additions and production growth from key shale basins continue to influence regional pricing dynamics, with operators focusing on the most economic drilling locations to optimize returns in the current price environment.
World Markets
European equity markets participated in the global rally this week, with major indexes posting gains across the region. The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index advanced as investors remained optimistic about economic growth prospects and corporate earnings trends.
Central bank policies across Europe continue to evolve, with the European Central Bank maintaining its cautious approach to monetary policy adjustments. Market participants are closely monitoring inflation trends and economic data for signals about future policy direction.
Asian markets showed mixed performance, with Japanese equities facing headwinds from currency movements while Chinese markets benefited from improved sentiment around domestic economic policies. The Bank of Japan’s monetary policy stance remains accommodative, though market participants continue to watch for potential policy adjustments.
China’s equity markets have shown resilience despite ongoing economic challenges, with government support measures and improved industrial production data contributing to investor confidence. Hong Kong markets have also participated in the regional recovery, though volatility remains elevated due to various macroeconomic factors.
The Week Ahead
The coming week will be particularly important for market direction, with several major technology companies scheduled to report quarterly earnings. These results will provide crucial insights into the health of the growth sectors that have driven much of 2025’s market gains.
Economic data releases will continue to be closely watched, particularly any indicators related to consumer spending, employment, and inflation trends. Federal Reserve officials’ comments and speeches will be scrutinized for hints about future monetary policy direction.
Key Topics to Watch
• Major technology earnings including Alphabet and Tesla
• Weekly initial jobless claims data
• Consumer confidence and spending indicators
• Federal Reserve officials’ speeches and commentary
• International trade and geopolitical developments
• Corporate guidance updates from earnings reports
• Sector rotation trends and performance differentials
The market environment remains generally supportive of risk assets, though investors continue to balance optimism about economic growth with caution about potential headwinds including policy uncertainties and global economic developments. The continued rotation from growth to value stocks and from large-cap to small-cap equities suggests a broadening of market participation that could support sustained gains if economic fundamentals remain strong.