Stocks moved higher last week as inflation jitters gave way to investor enthusiasm over Middle East diplomatic efforts and the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO).
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.65 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.70 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.66 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.92 percent.1,2
War, Peace & Space
Stocks were mixed on the first day of the week. Chip stocks led advances by the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the Dow Industrials sagged.3
The script flipped in the next session, as the chip stock fizzled despite a drop in oil prices. The S&P and Nasdaq slipped, while the Dow Industrials gained. Materials and consumer discretionary and real estate sectors led, with the latter rising on better-than-expected existing home sales.4
Stocks fell broadly midweek as investors reacted to the May CPI report, which showed year-over-year consumer inflation ticked up to 4.2 percent.5
But then sentiment turned positive again on Thursday after the White House gave an update on its ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.6
The week wrapped on a positive note, as the largest IPO appeared to boost investor enthusiasm, particularly for AI, and there were more updates on the Middle East.7
Source: YCharts.com, June 13, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
Inflation Update
While year-over-year inflation rose to a 3-year high due to higher energy prices, Wall Street found some silver linings in the May report.
First, investors saw this coming. The 4.2 percent “headline” inflation matched market expectations, so the news was welcomed. Second, core inflation rose 2.9 percent over the prior 12 months, in line with forecasts.
Third, month-over-month CPI cooled slightly, giving investors hope that energy prices may have peaked.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization.
Tuesday: Import Prices. Housing Starts. Building Permits.
Wednesday: Retail Sales. Pending Home Sales. Home Builder Confidence Index. Business Inventories. FOMC Interest Rate Decision. Fed Chair Warsh Press Conference.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday: The Stock Market will be closed for the Juneteenth Holiday.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; June 12, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Thursday: Accenture (ACN)
Source: Zacks, June 12, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
– Aristotle
Protect Your Tax Data
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shared guidelines for tax pros to protect taxpayer data, but these principles are sound for everyone to follow.
Antivirus software: This software scans computer files for malicious software (malware) on the device. Antivirus vendors find new issues and update malware daily. Always install the latest software updates on your computer.
Two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. Not only do you enter your username and password, but you also enter a security code that the service provider can send to another device for extra protection.
Drive encryption: Encrypts sensitive data into unreadable code that unauthorized users cannot easily decipher, so only authorized users can access it.
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov9
Skincare Tips
The first and most important tip is always to wear sunscreen, even if you spend little time in the sun. Some skincare products, including makeup, contain sunscreen, but you should also consider using a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 for extra protection.
Another tip is to lighten up your skincare routine. If you’re spending time outside exerting yourself, you might not need as much makeup or products as you do for indoor activities.
Tip adapted from Allure10
Your mother’s brother’s only brother-in-law is taking a picture of you. How is he more closely related to you?
Last Week’s Riddle: On a summer day, two fathers and two sons went fishing, and each one of them caught one fish. Why did they return home with just three fish?
Answer: Because it was a grandfather, a father, and a son who went fishing.
A tower of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis)
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, June 12, 2026
2. Investing.com, June 12, 2026
3. CNBC.com, June 8, 2026
4. CNBC.com, June 9, 2026
5. WSJ.com, June 10, 2026
6. CNBC.com, June 11, 2026
7. CNBC.com, June 12, 2026
8. WSJ.com, June 10, 2026
9. IRS.gov, December 4, 2025
10. Allure.com, February 23, 2026