Week 33: Inflation Cools, Markets Extend Their Run

Weekly Summary

Week 33 (10–14 August) was the calm after the storm. After several weeks of geopolitical shock, Fed-driven bond volatility and sharp intraweek swings, the market finally got a lighter-than-usual calendar and used it to consolidate recent gains. The dominant theme of the week was inflation: two key data releases confirmed that price pressures are not re-accelerating, easing the most acute concern hovering over markets since the summer oil spike. The S&P 500 gained 0.4% on the week (its third consecutive weekly advance) and touched a new all-time high above 7,800 on Thursday before closing Friday at 7,785.76. The Nasdaq edged up a modest 0.1%, while the Dow gave back 0.6%. The small-cap Russell 2000 also reached a new record high during the week.

For the Rivativ model portfolios, the week was steady and controlled: all four portfolios closed in positive territory, the combined result outperformed the index, and the monthly picture continues to look excellent. Combined weekly result: +$1,707.42 (+0.41%), versus SPX +0.36%. August month-to-date: +3.24% for the combined portfolio versus the index's +3.95%.