United States Stock Market Index & Housing Market Update – August 2025

Economic Calendar Major Upcoming Events

Stock Market Overview

US stocks saw limited movements on Monday, with major indexes holding near their record highs from last week. The S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all traded flat as investors awaited fresh catalysts, particularly from:

  • The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting minutes
  • The Jackson Hole Symposium later this week

Both are expected to offer hints on the Fed’s interest rate outlook.

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Equities remain supported by growing bets on multiple rate cuts this year, as markets respond to signs of a softening labor market and disinflation pressures.

Key Market Highlights:

  • Chipmakers and AI-exposed stocks climbed, with Nvidia (+0.5%) staying near record highs despite recent US export controls.
  • Retail stocks were mixed ahead of upcoming quarterly earnings reports.
  • Geopolitical backdrop: EU leaders prepared to meet Ukraine’s President Zelensky following US President Trump’s summit with Russian President Putin.

NAHB Housing Market Index – August 2025

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) slipped to 32 in August 2025, down from 33 in July and below expectations of 34, signaling persistent challenges in the housing sector.

Breakdown of Housing Data:

  • Current sales conditions: fell one point to 35
  • Sales expectations (next 6 months): steady at 43
  • Buyer traffic: rose two points to 22, still at historically low levels

Builder Incentives & Pricing Trends:

  • 37% of builders cut prices in August (down from 38% in July)
  • Average price reduction remained at 5% for the tenth straight month
  • 66% of builders used sales incentives, the highest post-Covid level, up from 62% in July

This data reflects ongoing affordability concerns, limited buyer demand, and sustained reliance on incentives to stimulate sales. source: National Association of Home Builders


Outlook

  • Stock Market: Investors remain cautious but optimistic, balancing AI-driven growth and monetary policy expectations.
  • Housing Market: Persistent weakness in builder confidence highlights the impact of affordability challenges, even as incentives expand.

📊 Both markets remain heavily influenced by Federal Reserve policy signals, making this week’s Jackson Hole Symposium a pivotal event for investors and analysts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the current United States Stock Market Index level in August 2025?

In August 2025, the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones remain near record highs after a strong rally earlier in the month. Markets are currently trading flat as investors await signals from the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.

2. Why are US stocks trading flat despite strong AI and chipmaker performance?

While AI-related stocks like Nvidia continue to perform strongly, overall market movement is subdued due to uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. Investors are waiting for clarity from the Jackson Hole Symposium and FOMC meeting minutes.

3. What does the NAHB Housing Market Index measure?

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) measures builder confidence in the housing market, covering current sales, buyer traffic, and future sales expectations. A reading above 50 indicates optimism, while below 50 reflects weakness.

4. Why did the NAHB Housing Market Index fall in August 2025?

The index fell to 32 in August 2025 due to weak buyer demand, affordability challenges, and higher reliance on sales incentives and price cuts by builders.

5. Are US home builders offering more incentives in 2025?

Yes. In August 2025, 66% of builders reported using sales incentives, the highest since the post-Covid period. Price cuts remain common, with an average reduction of 5% per home.

Technical Analysis: S&P 500 – August 2025

The S&P 500 continues to hover near record highs after its sharp rally this summer. Momentum remains strong, but the index is showing signs of consolidation as traders await policy signals from the Federal Reserve.

Key Technical Levels

  • Resistance Zone: 5,650 – 5,700 → The index is struggling to break above this level, marking a potential short-term ceiling.
  • Support Levels:
    • 5,500 (near-term support) – A break below could invite short-term selling.
    • 5,350 (major support) – A key level to watch, aligning with the 50-day moving average (50-DMA).

Moving Averages

  • 50-Day Moving Average (50-DMA): ~5,350 – Currently acting as strong dynamic support.
  • 200-Day Moving Average (200-DMA): ~4,950 – Well below current levels, confirming a longer-term bullish trend.

Momentum Indicators

  • RSI (Relative Strength Index): Hovering around 64, just below the overbought threshold (70). This suggests the index is consolidating but not yet in danger of a deep correction.
  • MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): Still in positive territory, though momentum is flattening, pointing to a possible range-bound movement in the short term.

Chart Outlook

The S&P 500 remains bullish in the medium to long term, supported by AI-driven growth and easing inflation expectations. However, short-term consolidation is likely until traders get more clarity from Fed policy announcements.

Trading Strategy (Not Financial Advice):

  • Bullish bias above 5,500 support
  • Watch for a breakout above 5,700 for continuation toward new record highs
  • Caution: A sustained break below 5,350 could trigger deeper pullbacks

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    US Stocks Surge as Tariff Truce and Fed Rate Cut Hopes Fuel Rally | June 2025 Market Update

    US stock market chart hitting record highs in June 2025

    📈 US Stocks Surge as Fed Cut Hopes and Trade Truce Drive Gains

    Published: June 30, 2025
    Category: Markets & Economy

    US equities rallied on Monday, extending last week’s gains as easing trade tensions and growing expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve pushed major indexes to record highs.


    🔼 Major Indexes Reach New Highs

    • S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100: Up 0.5% each
    • Dow Jones Industrial Average: Gained over 200 points

    📰 Market Drivers

    1. 🇺🇸 US-China Trade Agreement

    The US and China announced a formal agreement to prevent new tariffs, with President Trump showing flexibility on the July 9 deadline for reintroducing reciprocal tariffs. This marks a major de-escalation from past tensions, when tariffs reached up to 145%.

    2. 🏦 Fed Rate Cut Expectations Rise

    Investor confidence is rising as soft inflation data and global uncertainties increase the likelihood of multiple Fed rate cuts in 2025.

    3. 💻 Tech Sector Strengthens

    • Canada scrapped its digital services tax, boosting US tech stocks and reopening trade talks.
    • Meta and Alphabet shares rose 1%.
    • Juniper Networks soared 9% after the DoJ approved its HP acquisition, settling a legal dispute.

    💶 Eurozone: Euro Hits $1.17 as German Inflation Falls

    The euro rose to its highest level since September 2021, trading just above $1.17, bolstered by:

    • Weaker US dollar from dovish Fed sentiment
    • Fiscal concerns in the US
    • Cooling inflation in Germany

    🇩🇪 Germany Inflation Back to Target

    According to the Federal Statistical Office:

    • CPI fell to 2.0% in June, down from 2.1%, beating forecasts
    • Core inflation eased to 2.7%, a 3-month low
    • Food inflation slowed to 2.0%, energy prices dropped -3.5%
    • Monthly CPI was flat, following a 0.1% rise in May

    🏦 ECB Policy Outlook

    While inflation edged up slightly in France, Italy, and Spain, the ECB maintains a cautious approach.
    Vice President Luis de Guindos reaffirmed that the current policy is appropriate, but warned of the need for flexibility amid economic uncertainty.

    Markets continue to price the ECB’s terminal rate around 1.75%–1.80%.


    📊 Key Takeaways

    • ✅ US markets are responding positively to reduced geopolitical risk and a potential easing cycle from the Fed.
    • ✅ Eurozone inflation data provides mixed signals but supports a stable ECB outlook.
    • ✅ Tech stocks may continue to benefit from regulatory relief and favorable trade shifts.

    🧠 Related Reads:

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      📰 Market Update: US Strikes Iran, Oil Prices Jump, Japan’s Manufacturing Recovers

      June 23, 2025 – Global markets are reacting sharply after a surprise escalation in the Middle East, pushing oil prices higher and rattling investor confidence. Meanwhile, fresh data from Japan hints at a modest recovery in the manufacturing sector.


      🇺🇸 US Stock Futures Edge Lower After Strikes on Iran

      Stock futures dipped early Monday after the United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. The move, which came sooner than expected, has raised fears of retaliation from Tehran and broader regional instability.

      President Donald Trump, who had suggested on Friday he’d wait “two weeks” before making a decision, warned Saturday that “there will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”

      What’s at Stake:

      • Potential Iranian retaliation targeting US assets or personnel
      • Disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz
      • Heightened volatility across energy and equity markets

      🛢️ Oil Prices Surge on Supply Fears

      WTI crude oil rose over 2% to $75.90 per barrel, reaching its highest level since January 2025. The market is responding to concerns that Iran may restrict oil exports or block the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for about 20% of global crude oil flows.

      Iran’s parliament has reportedly voted to close the Strait, though final approval is pending from the country’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader.


      📉 Market Caution Builds

      Major US indexes ended last week little changed, as investors braced for worsening geopolitical tensions and growing economic uncertainty. Risk appetite remains subdued as markets await further developments in the Middle East.


      🇯🇵 Japan’s Manufacturing Sector Returns to Growth

      On a more positive note, Japan’s Manufacturing PMI from au Jibun Bank rose to 50.4 in June, up from 49.4 in May, marking the first expansion since May 2024. source: S&P Global

      Key Highlights:

      • Output and inventory levels rose
      • Employment edged higher
      • Demand remained weak, especially due to new US tariffs
      • Supplier delivery times lengthened, signaling supply chain pressure

      While input cost inflation held near a 14-month low, output prices remained among the softest seen in four years. Business sentiment was largely unchanged and still below the historical average.


      📌 Final Takeaway

      The Middle East situation is developing rapidly and will likely remain the dominant market driver in the short term. Investors should keep an eye on:

      • Iran’s next move
      • Oil market dynamics
      • Safe-haven assets like gold and the US dollar

      Meanwhile, Japan’s modest manufacturing recovery offers a sliver of optimism amid global turbulence.

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        Stock Market at All Time Highs

        When is the right time to start selling the Stock Market at all time highs?

        S&P 500 Past 10 Years

        Stock Market at All Time highs. We are witnessing the longest BULL rally in 100 years. Many economists say this is due to loose monetary policy. Quantitative Easing and now the introduction of Interest Rate Cuts being used to stimulate growth are a major cause of the stock market at to be at all time highs. Also an incredibly strong labor market in the United States is also a cause of this historic rally. With the U.S. at full employment.

        US-China Trade Deal Phase one has been reached and this is another market positive. Some say it is just a political move in preparation for the US 2020 Presidential election. It will take some pressure off US farmers and middle Americans who are a large chunk of Trump’s political base. But world famous economist Mohamed El-Erian is slightly more pessimistic than the White House would have us believe. As you can read in this CNBC article.

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