The Weekly Update
Week of June 15th, 2026
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Stocks moved higher last week as inflation jitters gave way to investor enthusiasm over Middle East diplomatic efforts and the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO).
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.65 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.70 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.66 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.92 percent.
War, Peace & Space
Stocks were mixed on the first day of the week. Chip stocks led advances by the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the Dow Industrials sagged.
The script flipped in the next session, as the chip stock fizzled despite a drop in oil prices. The S&P and Nasdaq slipped, while the Dow Industrials gained. Materials and consumer discretionary and real estate sectors led, with the latter rising on better-than-expected existing home sales.
Stocks fell broadly midweek as investors reacted to the May CPI report, which showed year-over-year consumer inflation ticked up to 4.2 percent.
But then sentiment turned positive again on Thursday after the White House gave an update on its ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
The week wrapped on a positive note, as the largest IPO appeared to boost investor enthusiasm, particularly for AI, and there were more updates on the Middle East.
Inflation Update
While year-over-year inflation rose to a 3-year high due to higher energy prices, Wall Street found some silver linings in the May report.
First, investors saw this coming. The 4.2 percent “headline” inflation matched market expectations, so the news was welcomed. Second, core inflation rose 2.9 percent over the prior 12 months, in line with forecasts.
Third, month-over-month CPI cooled slightly, giving investors hope that energy prices may have peaked.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization.
Tuesday: Import Prices. Housing Starts. Building Permits.
Wednesday: Retail Sales. Pending Home Sales. Home Builder Confidence Index. Business Inventories. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Warsh Press Conference.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday: The Stock Market will be closed for the Juneteenth Holiday.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; June 12, 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
Thursday: Accenture (ACN)
Source: Zacks, June 12, 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.
