May market recap: Progress in fits and starts
Money
Stocks experienced a robust rebound in May despite ongoing trade uncertainty. The S&P 500 gained over 6%, posting its best month since late 2023.
Stocks experienced a robust rebound in May despite ongoing trade uncertainty. The S&P 500 gained over 6%, posting its best month since late 2023.
This year's Fortune 500 companies generated $1.87 trillion in earnings, up 9% from last year.
E.l.f. Beauty's nearly $1 billion acquisition of Hailey Bieber’s rhode skincare brand and other recent deals point to a M&A rebound after an uneven start to 2025.
Some relief on the inflation front and the latest tariff news are keeping investors on their toes.
For stocks, April was a volatile month that featured three distinct phases. In the end, U.S. stocks finished modestly lower and international stocks posted gains.
Inflation eases to 2.3% in April, with significant drops in the cost of airfare and eggs, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A “wait and see” approach prevails in the midst of the Fed’s decision to leave rates alone and ongoing uncertainties about economic and trade policy.
As the Fed highlights job and economic strength, this meeting outlines how it's not a situation in which to be preemptive.
Growth turned negative for the first time in three years, but better-than-expected job numbers may help balance concerns of a softening economy.
As Wall Street looks for signs of a tariff impact, the labor market remains strong.