Market Scope Digest — Weekly Wrap-Up
Week Ending August 8, 2025
U.S. Equities Rally Amid Fed Speculation & Earnings Surge
U.S. markets closed the week on a high note, with all major indexes posting gains. The S&P 500 rose 2.4%, the Dow climbed 1.3%, and the Nasdaq soared 3.9%, marking its highest close ever at 21,450.02. Investor optimism was fueled by strong corporate earnings across sectors, dovish sentiment around the Fed—spurred by President Trump’s nomination of Stephen Miran for the Federal Reserve—and market pricing for a likely rate cut later this year.
Gold Surges on Tariff Uncertainty
Gold futures spiked 1.3% to $3,499.30/oz after the U.S. unexpectedly announced a 39% tariff on one-kilogram Swiss gold bars, rattling global markets and intensifying gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.
European Equities See Largest Weekly Gain in 12 Weeks
European markets advanced strongly, led by a 4.6% rise in Novo Nordisk shares after its weight-loss treatment outperformed forecasts. The STOXX 600 index gained 2.1%, marking its strongest weekly performance in three months.
Volatility Edges Higher
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) jumped 37% this week—its steepest weekly gain in over a month—highlighting rising risk sentiment among investors.
Earnings Highlights
Palantir delivered a standout report with $1.004 billion in revenue, a full-year projection of $4.14 billion, and 50% year-over-year revenue growth. Other major reported companies included AMD, Uber, Disney, and Eli Lilly, showcasing broad strength across technology and consumer sectors.
Week at a Glance
|
Sector
|
Key Highlight
|
|
U.S. Stocks
|
S&P 500 +2.4%, Nasdaq record +3.9%, multiple-week gains
|
|
Gold
|
+1.3% on tariff news, hitting near record price
|
|
Europe
|
STOXX 600 up 2.1%; Novo Nordisk jumps 4.6%
|
|
Volatility
|
VIX surges ~37%—highest weekly move in weeks
|
|
Earnings
|
Palantir reports blowout results; strength across tech and consumer sectors
|
Looking Ahead
Markets head into next week with a spotlight on upcoming CPI data, potential Federal Reserve policy updates, and continued earnings results from key sectors. With volatility rising and policy cues in focus, investors are advised to stay alert and prepared.
Market Scope Digest — Weekly Wrap-Up
Week Ending August 8, 2025
U.S. Equities Rally Amid Fed Speculation & Earnings Surge
U.S. markets closed the week on a high note, with all major indexes posting gains. The S&P 500 rose 2.4%, the Dow climbed 1.3%, and the Nasdaq soared 3.9%, marking its highest close ever at 21,450.02. Investor optimism was fueled by strong corporate earnings across sectors, dovish sentiment around the Fed—spurred by President Trump’s nomination of Stephen Miran for the Federal Reserve—and market pricing for a likely rate cut later this year.
Gold Surges on Tariff Uncertainty
Gold futures spiked 1.3% to $3,499.30/oz after the U.S. unexpectedly announced a 39% tariff on one-kilogram Swiss gold bars, rattling global markets and intensifying gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.
European Equities See Largest Weekly Gain in 12 Weeks
European markets advanced strongly, led by a 4.6% rise in Novo Nordisk shares after its weight-loss treatment outperformed forecasts. The STOXX 600 index gained 2.1%, marking its strongest weekly performance in three months.
Volatility Edges Higher
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) jumped 37% this week—its steepest weekly gain in over a month—highlighting rising risk sentiment among investors.
Earnings Highlights
Palantir delivered a standout report with $1.004 billion in revenue, a full-year projection of $4.14 billion, and 50% year-over-year revenue growth. Other major reported companies included AMD, Uber, Disney, and Eli Lilly, showcasing broad strength across technology and consumer sectors.
Week at a Glance
|
Sector
|
Key Highlight
|
|
U.S. Stocks
|
S&P 500 +2.4%, Nasdaq record +3.9%, multiple-week gains
|
|
Gold
|
+1.3% on tariff news, hitting near record price
|
|
Europe
|
STOXX 600 up 2.1%; Novo Nordisk jumps 4.6%
|
|
Volatility
|
VIX surges ~37%—highest weekly move in weeks
|
|
Earnings
|
Palantir reports blowout results; strength across tech and consumer sectors
|
Looking Ahead
Markets head into next week with a spotlight on upcoming CPI data, potential Federal Reserve policy updates, and continued earnings results from key sectors. With volatility rising and policy cues in focus, investors are advised to stay alert and prepared.
