After months of relative calm, market fluctuations are causing many investors to wonder what is happening to the economy. Last week, the S&P 500 lost 5.16%, the Dow dropped 5.21%, and the NASDAQ declined 5.06%.[1] The MSCI EAFE also gave back 6.19%. These losses pushed all four indexes into negative territory for the year.

After 4 straight weeks of gains, the markets have slipped. As of Friday, the S&P 500 lost 3.85%, the Dow dropped 4.12%, and the NASDAQ decreased by 3.53%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also took a 2.78% hit. Domestically, the losses spanned sectors and asset classes. For the S&P 500, all 11 of the index's industries lost ground last week. This decline came after the S&P 500 had its best January performance in over 20 years.

Stocks had an impressive week yet again, as each of the domestic indexes reached record highs and gained at least 2%. [1] The S&P 500 added 2.23%, the Dow increased 2.09%, and the NASDAQ grew 2.31%. [2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE joined the growth, adding 1.49%. [3]

On Monday, January 22, the government shutdown ended after 3 days, as House and Senate members reached an initial compromise. President Trump signed the measure on Monday evening, securing government funding until February 8. [4] 

Once again, the markets ended the week in positive territory - and all 3 major domestic indexes hit new record highs. The S&P 500 added 0.26%, and the Dow was up 0.45%, with both indexes notching their 8 th straight week of growth. The NASDAQ was up for the 6 th week in a row with a 0.94% gain. ^[1]International stocks in the MSCI EAFE joined in the growth, posting a 0.90% increase. ^[2]

Another week, another round of positive market performance. The 3 major domestic indexes again ended the week with gains and new record highs.

Last week, all 3 major U.S. markets hit record highs once again.[1] The Dow added 2.00% to notch both intraday and closing records, the S&P 500 rose 0.86%, and the NASDAQ gained 0.35%.[2]International stocks in the MSCI EAFE dipped by 0.32% for the week. 

Last Friday, all 3 major domestic indexes continued their streak of weekly gains and record highs. The S&P 500 added 0.15%, and the Dow was up 0.43%. Meanwhile, both indexes posted their 5th weekly gain in a row. In addition, the S&P 500 and Dow each hit intraday trading records on Friday.

This Monday, October 9, marks the 10-year anniversary of the S&P 500's highest point before the Great Recession. While the ensuing decade has provided quite a rocky road for the markets at times, the recovery is undeniable. 

Before we begin our usual weekly commentary, we wanted to take a moment to honor the victims of Sunday's terrible attack in Las Vegas. Though details are still scarce, it is the most devastating mass shooting in U.S. history. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and with the community that now must cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Domestic indexes were mixed last week, as the Dow gained 0.36%, the S&P 500 eked out a 0.08% increase, and the NASDAQ lost 0.33%. [1]International stocks in the MSCI EAFE added a solid 0.68%. [2]

Three stories that have dominated conversations and driven investor attention in 2017 continued last week: