| Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 4.44 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 2.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 2.59 percent over the four trading days through last Thursday. Stocks Rebound Stocks were under pressure to start the week. Investors looked past comments from Fed Chair Powell that inflation expectations "appear to be well anchored beyond the short term" despite concerns over the Middle East conflict's potential inflationary effects. However, sentiment shifted on Tuesday with stocks closing out Q1 on a high note, reflecting renewed investor hope for an end to the conflict. The S&P 500 posted its best day since May of last year. Momentum continued into Wednesday, with comments from the White House that gave investors more confidence that a resolution was coming. A stronger-than-expected retail sales report also buoyed enthusiasm. Stocks dipped but then rallied on Thursday, ending the session with a slight gain and helping stock prices break a 5-week losing streak. |
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| Source: YCharts.com, April 4, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, March 27, to Thursday, April 2. 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. |
Jobs Update SU.S. stock markets were closed on Friday, but investors were on the lookout for the March jobs report. Employers added 178,000 jobs in March, an unexpected increase that marked the best month in over a year. Economists expected a gain of 59,000 jobs. Unemployment fell to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent in February. |
This Week: Key Economic Data Tuesday: Durable Goods (Feb). Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks. Consumer Credit (Feb). Wednesday: FOMC March meeting minutes released. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Feb.). Fed official Lorie Logan speaks. Factory Orders. EIA Natural Gas Report. Motor Vehicle Sales. Fed Balance Sheet. Thursday: Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index (Feb). Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), second revision. Weekly Jobless Claims. Wholesale Inventories (Feb). Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Factory Orders (Feb). Consumer Sentiment. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendarĶ¾ April 3, 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 Wednesday: Delta Airlines, Inc. (DAL) Source: Zacks, April 3, 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. |
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Keep These Tips in Mind When Selling a Home If you are selling your home, you may be able to exclude the sale’s capital gain from your tax return. The first thing to consider is the home’s ownership and use. To claim the exclusion, you must have owned the house and used it as your primary residence for at least two years. If you are selling your main home, you can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain for single filers and up to $500,000 for joint filers from your return. If you own more than one home, you can exclude only the gains on selling your primary home. However, the loss is generally not deductible if you sell your home at a loss. You can also choose not to claim exclusion, in which case you must report the gain on your tax return. 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.gov |
| Footnotes and Sources 1. WSJ.com, April 2, 2026 2. CNBC.com, March 30, 2026 3. CNBC.com, March 30, 2026 4. WSJ.com, March 31, 2026 5. CNBC.com, April 1, 2026 6. CNBC.com, April 2, 2026 7. WSJ.com, April 3, 2026 8. IRS.gov, October 24, 2025 9. GreaterGood.Berkeley.edu, November 17, 2025 |
| Dave Fischesser dave@fischfinancial.com 630-346-3302 Fisch Financial http://www.fischfinancial.com/ |