Market Scope Digest — Week Ahead Preview

Date: August 24, 2025

What to Watch This Week in the Markets

1. Nvidia’s Highly Anticipated Earnings (Wed, Aug 27)

As a core driver of the AI rally, Nvidia’s quarterly results will be under the microscope. Analysts are watching for strong revenue growth, insights on AI demand in China, cloud spending, and government-related revenue arrangements. Any deviation from expectations could sway tech sentiment sharply.

2. Key Retail Earnings

Major retailers, including Best Buy, Bath & Body Works, Urban Outfitters, and Target, will deliver earnings. Target is already under pressure—its stock tumbled nearly 10% after missed guidance. These reports will shed light on consumer purchasing trends and inflation pressures.

3. Federal Reserve Data Flashpoints

Markets will closely monitor the July Core PCE Price Index (August 29), along with personal income and consumer spending data. These indicators are the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge and could either bolster or diminish the case for a September rate cut.

4. Broader Corporate Earnings

Beyond Nvidia and retailers, expect results from Affirm (“buy now, pay later” sector), Heico, NetApp, Dell, MongoDB, JPMorgan, Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada, and Alibaba. Notably, Alibaba’s earnings could provide cues to global tech and consumer sentiment.

5. Macro & Policy Overhangs

The Fed is in the spotlight, with lingering questions about rate policy after Jackson Hole. Trade and tariff developments—especially new levies on metals and other imports—are also shaping investor caution.

Summary Table: Key Events & Dates

Date	Event
Aug 25–26	Retail earnings begin; Target among first reports
Aug 27	Nvidia earnings & other tech/bank reports
Aug 28	Continued earnings (e.g., Dell, Best Buy)
Aug 29	Core PCE, personal income/spending data released

Market Outlook

Earnings-Driven Moves: Strong beats by Nvidia or retailers could reignite bullish momentum across tech and consumer sectors.
Inflation Signals: A cooler-than-expected Core PCE would further fuel rate-cut optimism. Conversely, hot data could dampen enthusiasm.
Tech Vigilance: After recent AI-related pullbacks and regulatory concerns, investor focus on Nvidia and sector peers will be intense.

Bottom Line

This week is likely to set the tone for the remainder of summer markets. Key earnings and inflation readings will either support the rate-cut narrative or raise fresh concerns. Stay tuned for bold market moves—driven by both data and sentiment.

Market Scope Digest

U.S. Stock Market Weekly Recap

Date: August 23, 2025

This Week in Review: August 18–22, 2025

The U.S. stock market closed out a dramatic week marked by shifting Federal Reserve signals, strong small-cap gains, and renewed hopes for an interest rate cut as early as September.

Late-Week Rally on Fed Signal

Stocks surged on Friday, August 22, after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole hinted that the central bank could soon pivot toward cutting rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 846 points (1.9%) to finish at a record close above 45,600. The S&P 500 advanced 1.5%, ending just below its all-time high, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.9%. Small-cap stocks led the rally, with the Russell 2000 soaring nearly 4%.

Tech & Rate-Sensitive Sectors Shine

Technology and interest-rate-sensitive industries were among the top performers. Homebuilders, renewable energy names, and travel stocks rallied. Intel gained strongly on reports of U.S. government investment, while Zoom jumped double-digits on robust earnings.

Midweek Pressure from Retail

Earlier in the week, markets faced turbulence as retail weakness weighed on sentiment. Walmart shares slid more than 4% amid concerns over cost pressures, temporarily dragging indexes lower. Despite this midweek dip, the Fed’s dovish tone on Friday reshaped investor expectations and sparked a strong recovery.

Weekly Performance Snapshot

• Dow Jones: +1.5% (record high close)

• S&P 500: +0.3% (near record levels)

• Nasdaq Composite: –0.6% (tech sector drag despite late rally)

• Russell 2000: +3.9% (leading small-cap surge)

Market Drivers

• Powell’s dovish tone renewed optimism about upcoming rate cuts.

• Lower Treasury yields boosted housing, solar, and travel sectors.

• Tech sentiment flipped positive on Intel and Zoom developments.

• Inflation worries and retail weakness remained underlying concerns.

The Week Ahead: August 25–29, 2025

Key Economic Data Releases

• Monday, Aug 25: New Home Sales (July)

• Tuesday, Aug 26: U.S. Consumer Confidence (August)

• Friday, Aug 29: Personal Income & Spending; Core PCE Price Index (Fed’s preferred inflation gauge)

Market Focus

Investors will closely watch inflation and consumer spending indicators for signs of cooling price pressures. A softer Core PCE reading could reinforce expectations of a September rate cut. However, global trade developments and ongoing tariff policy debates remain important variables for market direction.

Bottom Line

Despite midweek struggles, U.S. stocks finished the week with renewed strength as investors embraced the possibility of imminent Fed rate cuts. With the Dow at record highs and small-caps rallying, the focus now shifts to inflation data and consumer spending next week. The market’s next move will hinge on whether incoming economic reports confirm the Fed’s readiness to pivot.