Financial insights for the week ending November 14, 2025
For the week ending November 14th, the S&P 500 fell by 0.7%, the NASDAQ was down 1.9%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.1%, and the Russell 2000 fell 2.6%.
Markets spent the week digesting a heavy wave of earnings with the added backdrop of federal agencies resuming normal operations after the government reopened. With the bulk of mega-cap tech already reported, attention shifted to the broader lineup of companies offering a more grounded look at the real economy. Retailers, industrials, and consumer-facing names delivered a mixed batch of results, with several management teams noting uneven demand as higher borrowing costs continue to work through household budgets. At the same time, the return of federal data helped restore some structure to the macro conversation. Investors finally received clean reads on inflation, labor trends, and manufacturing activity, giving markets firmer footing but also reinforcing that the path forward remains bumpy. Corporate commentary and the restarted flow of government data kept trading active throughout the week.
Looking at the week ahead, earnings will remain in focus as another group of major retailers and industrial companies report, offering fresh insight into consumer strength, business investment, and year-end demand. Home Depot, Walmart, Target, and Deere will provide an important read on how households and companies are navigating tighter financial conditions. With the government now fully reopened, key economic releases such as CPI, PPI, and retail sales are back on schedule, restoring the usual rhythm investors rely on. That return of consistent data should help reduce some of the uncertainty that built up during the outage, though markets may still see uneven trading given elevated valuations and firm Treasury yields. As we move deeper into November, seasonal trends typically turn more constructive, but the market’s ability to sustain momentum will depend on how upcoming data aligns with expectations.
As we head into Thanksgiving and the broader holiday season, this is also a natural time to take a quick inventory of your year. The final weeks of the year offer a rare blend of reflection and routine and using that moment to review your finances can be surprisingly helpful. A brief check on your savings progress, retirement contributions, and overall spending plans for the holidays can keep you grounded as the calendar gets busier. It doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple look at where you started the year and where you stand today can highlight what’s working and where small adjustments might help. Approaching the season with that clarity can make the holidays more enjoyable and less stressful, while reinforcing the long-term habits that matter most.
Enjoy your day! Come back next Saturday for our latest commentary. We are here to answer any of your financial questions.