US stock market

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

by
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.

Trade these data points with Swap Hunter by your side and you are going to have an edge on your Broker, your Bank and your Colleagues.

Download the Swap Hunter Trading System HERE.

Check out our Prices here.

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

United States Nahb Housing Market Index

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

This is our recommended Broker to Work with although you can use Swap Hunter with any MT4 Financial Derivatives Broker

Open your Trading Account Here to Start Capitalizing on the Financial Markets with Swap Hunter.
To Open your Trading Account Click Here

    First Name (required)

    Last Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Preferred Method of Contact (required)
    eMailPhoneSkypeWhatsApp/Viber/Telegram,etc.

    Your Phone (required)

    Your Mobile

    Your Skype

    Category (required)

    Subject (required)

    Your Message (required)

    I am interested in (tick all that apply):

    GDPR Agreement*
    See our privacy policy to learn more about how we use data.

    U.S. Mortgage Applications Surge, Markets Rally Amid Trade Developments, and Mexico Inflation Softens

    by

    Mortgage Applications See Strongest Weekly Rise in a Month

    In the first week of July 2025, the volume of U.S. mortgage applications soared by 9.4% from the previous week — the largest increase in a month, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. This marks the third consecutive weekly gain, the longest streak since December 2024, as benchmark mortgage rates dipped to their lowest since April.

    Refinancing activity, which tends to respond quickly to changes in short-term rates, jumped 9% week-over-week and surged 56% compared to the same period in 2024. Similarly, purchase applications rose 9% on the week and were up 25% year-over-year, highlighting renewed strength in the housing market. source: Mortgage Bankers Association of America

    Markets Edge Higher on Trade Announcements and Fed Speculation

    U.S. equities closed higher on Wednesday as traders digested updates on trade policy and awaited the Federal Reserve’s next moves. The S&P 500 gained 0.5%, the Nasdaq climbed 0.7%, and the Dow Jones rose by nearly 200 points.

    President Trump signaled that major trade announcements would be made, including a planned 50% tariff on copper imports and potential 200% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, though implementation is delayed by 12–18 months to give industries time to adapt.

    Market participants are closely watching for the FOMC minutes release, which may offer insights into the timing of potential interest rate cuts. Expectations remain strong for two 25 basis point cuts before year-end.

    Technology stocks led gains, with Nvidia up 2.2% and Microsoft rising 1.2%. Apple shares were flat, following a statement by White House Trade Counselor Peter Navarro suggesting the company considers itself “too big to tariff.”

    Mexico’s Inflation Slows but Core Pressures Rise

    Mexico’s annual inflation rate eased to 4.32% in June 2025, down slightly from 4.42% in May, aligning closely with market expectations of 4.31%, according to the national statistics agency INEGI.

    Price growth moderated in agriculture (5.04% vs 6.76%) and energy (3.56% vs 3.93%), while accelerating for goods, food, beverages, and services. Notably, core inflation ticked up to 4.24%, suggesting that underlying price pressures remain sticky.

    On a monthly basis, inflation was unchanged at 0.28%, maintaining the same pace as in May.  Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI)

    Conclusion

    With falling mortgage rates energizing the U.S. housing market, equity markets buoyed by trade policy hints, and inflation trends in Mexico showing mixed signals, July 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal month for both investors and policymakers.

    Stay tuned for more updates on monetary policy, inflation data, and global economic trends.

      First Name (required)

      Last Name (required)

      Your Email (required)

      Preferred Method of Contact (required)
      eMailPhoneSkypeWhatsApp/Viber/Telegram,etc.

      Your Phone (required)

      Your Mobile

      Your Skype

      Category (required)

      Subject (required)

      Your Message (required)

      I am interested in (tick all that apply):

      GDPR Agreement*
      See our privacy policy to learn more about how we use data.

      Open Your MultiBank Trading Account Here

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

      by
      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:

        First Name (required)

        Last Name (required)

        Your Email (required)

        Preferred Method of Contact (required)
        eMailPhoneSkypeWhatsApp/Viber/Telegram,etc.

        Your Phone (required)

        Your Mobile

        Your Skype

        Category (required)

        Subject (required)

        Your Message (required)

        I am interested in (tick all that apply):

        GDPR Agreement*
        See our privacy policy to learn more about how we use data.

        trade multiple assets on the safest platform in the industry

        US Market Recap – Tuesday: Stocks Slip on Geopolitical Tensions and Weak Data

        by

        Wall Street saw a modest pullback on Tuesday, with all three major U.S. stock indices falling around 0.3%. The retreat came amid escalating geopolitical tensions and signs of a cooling U.S. economy.

        Geopolitical Pressures Rattle Investors

        Market sentiment took a hit after President Trump downplayed prospects for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and urged Tehran residents to evacuate—a move that stoked fears of broader conflict in the Middle East.

        These developments added a risk-off tone to the trading session, leading to defensive positioning across sectors.

        Economic Data Disappoints

        Retail Sales Miss Expectations

        Retail sales for May contracted more than analysts anticipated, suggesting that consumer spending is slowing. The weakness may reflect the growing impact of tariffs and ongoing policy uncertainty on household behavior.

        Import Prices Show No Growth

        Meanwhile, import prices excluding tariffs were flat in May, a sign of waning trade demand that could pressure growth in coming quarters.

        Stock Highlights: Movers & Shakers

        🟥 T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS)

        -4%
        Shares fell after SoftBank sold part of its stake to reinvest in AI initiatives, prompting a wave of profit-taking.

        🟩 ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) & Chevron (NYSE: CVX)

        Both energy giants gained as oil prices rose, buoyed by mounting geopolitical risks and supply concerns.

        🟩 Verve Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VERV)

        +75% to $10.90
        The biotech stock surged after Eli Lilly announced a buyout at $10.50 per share. The premium acquisition price signals bullish sentiment in the gene-editing space.

        Click on image for Google search results on US500 Updates and Analysis

        Conclusion

        Tuesday’s market dip highlights how global instability and softening economic data continue to influence investor behavior. As Wall Street watches both policy moves and geopolitical flashpoints, volatility may persist in the near term.

        Register your details for a consultation with Swap Hunter

          First Name (required)

          Last Name (required)

          Preferred Method of Contact (required)

          eMailPhoneSkypeWhatsApp/Viber/Telegram,etc.

          Your Email (required)

          Your Phone (required)

          Your Mobile

          Your Skype

          Your Message (required)

          I am interested in (tick all that apply):

          GDPR Agreement*
          See our privacy policy to learn more about how we use data.

          Scan QR code or click on image to Get your Multibank Group, MEX Atlantic Trading Account

          Tags:
          US stock market, market recap, T-Mobile, Verve Therapeutics, ExxonMobil, Chevron, oil prices, Trump Iran, retail sales, economic data, Wall Street today