Week In Perspective | Stocks Slip; Attention Shifts to Bonds [24-August-26] — Financial Advisor

Updated: 08-24-2026

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks declined last week as global investors fretted about oil-supply-induced inflation.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 2.05 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.85 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 0.40 percent.^1,2

Bond Yields Up, Stocks Under Pressure

Bond yields spiked at the start of the week, putting a squeeze on stock prices. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond hit a 19-year high.

Markets continued their slide on Tuesday as investors fretted over inflation. Yields on bonds around the world rose to multi-decade highs.^3,⁴

Stocks steadied, and bond yields fell midweek as investors responded to the Treasury Department’s announcement that it would buy back long-term debt to help stabilize interest rates. However, the Wednesday morning rally petered out as the session progressed into the afternoon.^5,⁶

Stocks rebounded to finish a tough week on a positive note despite rising oil prices.⁷

A Bee in the Bonnet

Last week, yields on bonds issued by sovereign governments around the world rose to multi-year highs, including in Japan and throughout Europe.

Investors in these bonds decided they needed higher yields to compensate for ongoing global issues. As a result, the cost to borrow money went up. And because bond prices and yields move in opposite directions, the value of these bonds fell.

The Treasury Department stepped in on Wednesday to say that it would double the size of its current repurchases of longer-term (10- to 30-year) Treasury debt. It’s uncertain how the move could influence markets.⁸

THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index. New Home Sales. Consumer Confidence (Conference Board).

Wednesday: Durable Goods. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 2nd estimate. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Balance in Goods. Wholesale Inventories. Retail Inventories.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment (U. Michigan).

Source: Investor’s Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: August 21, 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

Tuesday: Intuit Inc. (INTU)

Wednesday: Nvidia Corporation (NVDA), CrowdStrike (CRWD), Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS)

Thursday: Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL), Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK)

Source: Zacks, August 21, 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.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.