Weekly Market Update: Hot Inflation Tests a Narrow Rally
Markets traded higher for a seventh consecutive week, extending the rally that began in late March. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq set new all-time highs, but the rally remained narrow.
Small-cap stocks and the equal weight S&P 500 produced only modest gains, with technology again the strongest sector and the largest tech names pulling the broader index and growth factor higher.
The week’s defining story was inflation. Both consumer and producer prices rose at the fastest pace in years, and Treasury yields climbed across the curve in response. Corporate bonds outperformed as credit spreads tightened, while oil prices moved higher on renewed Middle East tensions.
International stocks once again lagged U.S. stocks. Next week’s big event is Nvidia’s earnings report, which will provide more insight into AI capex spending.
Key Takeaways
Inflation Came in Hot at Both the Consumer and Wholesale Level
Consumer prices rose +3.8% year-over-year in April, the highest reading in nearly three years. Wholesale prices delivered the bigger surprise at +6.0% y/y, the largest annual gain since December 2022.
The two reports measure inflation at different points in the supply chain (wholesale captures what businesses pay, while consumer prices capture what households pay), and a hot wholesale print signals the potential for more inflation pass-through. Higher gas prices drove a large share of both increases, but the rise wasn’t limited to energy, with service categories like airfare, hotels, and rent also rising.
Why it matters: The inflation that’s been building in energy markets is now showing up in the broader data, and the pressure is spreading beyond energy.
Oil Prices Rose as U.S.-Iran Tensions Re-Escalated
Oil rose more than +5%, with most of the move coming Monday after President Trump told reporters the Iranian ceasefire was “on life support.” Energy was the second-best-performing sector of the week.
Gasoline prices remain near $4.50 a gallon nationally, and the White House floated suspending the federal gas tax, an acknowledgment that pump prices have become a political concern.
Why it matters: The supply side of the inflation story remains unresolved. The longer oil stays elevated, the more the cost shows up in everyday spending categories like fuel, food, and transportation.
Interest Rates Rose as Investors Absorbed the Inflation Data
Treasury yields rose across the yield curve, including longer-term yields, which was notable. The move higher in long-term yields suggests the market expects inflation to remain elevated, with the 30-year yield rising above 5%.
Shorter-term rates also rose, an indication the market believes persistent inflation could pressure the Fed to raise interest rates. In related news, the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair by the slimmest margin in modern history, with his first meeting in June.
Why it matters: Futures markets price in zero rate cuts for the rest of 2026, with consensus shifting toward interest rates staying higher for longer.
Major Indexes Set New Highs Despite a Narrow Rally
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closed at new all-time highs, gaining more than +2% each. Most of the move came Wednesday on the start of a Trump-Xi summit in Beijing and strong gains in mega-cap tech, with Apple crossing $300 a share for the first time.
Beneath the index level, small-cap stocks and the equal weight factor produced modest gains. Sector leadership rotated as well, with energy and defensive areas like healthcare and consumer staples rising while financials and industrials declined.
Why it matters: The major indexes continue to set new highs, but the broader market paused this week. The divergence doesn’t necessarily break the rally’s longer trend, but it’s worth watching as the inflation and interest rate situation develops.
Consumers Continue to Spend Despite Rising Energy Costs
April retail sales beat expectations, growing +4.9% year-over-year. Excluding autos and fuel, the categories most affected by inflation, spending rose +0.5% month-over-month.
Why it matters: April’s retail sales data suggests consumer spending is holding up despite rising energy costs. If spending slows under the weight of higher prices, it could translate into slower economic growth.