Stocks advanced last week despite some intra-week volatility as investors showed concern about the economy’s strength.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.47 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 2.58 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.55 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, tacked on 2.53 percent.

The Fed Is in “No Hurry”

Stocks opened the week higher, quickly discounting news that the White House would impose 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. Tuesday was a volatility session, punctuated by comments from Fed Chair Powell, who told lawmakers the central bank doesn’t “need to be in a hurry” to lower interior rates further.

Stocks opened lower Wednesday after a warmer-than-expected update on consumer prices. But stocks showed some resilience and rallied throughout the day. The Nasdaq managed to claw back its losses before Wednesday’s close.

On Thursday, the White House announced a plan for reciprocal tariffs (levies on goods imported into the U.S. from countries that impose tariffs on U.S.-exported goods). But markets rallied on news that the administration would pause tariffs until they determine how much to levy on each country. Stocks took a breather on Friday, shrugging off a weaker-than-expected retail sales report.

The S&P ended shy of a record close, and the Nasdaq finished the week above the 20,000 mark.

Inflation In Focus

The Consumer Price Index report showed prices rose 0.5 percent in January–slightly hotter than expected. Shelter costs remained elevated, increasing 0.4 percent for the month.

Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was also above forecast. Food prices rose 0.4 percent, pushed by a 15.2 percent increase in egg prices related to ongoing issues forcing farmers to cull chicken flocks. Energy prices picked up 1.1 percent as gasoline prices rose.

Tuesday:   Homebuilder Confidence Index. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly speaks.

Wednesday:  Housing Starts & Building Permits. Minutes from January Fed meeting.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Leading Economic Indicators. Fed Officials Austan Goolsbee and Alberto Musalem speak.

Friday:   Existing Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment.

Source: Econoday

 Tuesday:  Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Medtronic (MDT)

Wednesday:  Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)

Thursday:   Walmart Inc. (WMT), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), The Southern Company (SO)

Source:Zacks.com

Sources: YCharts.com, February 15, 2025

Weekly performance is measured from the close of trading Friday February 10, to Friday, February 14 close.

What Is Meatless Monday?

Thanks to new (and much more delicious) meat substitutes, more people are swapping at least one meal weekly for a vegetarian dish. One of the most popular ways to do this is starting Meatless Monday in your household!

Eating less meat and more plant-based choices has many potential health and environmental benefits. While you might not be ready or interested in giving up meat entirely, subbing in meatless meals on Monday is an excellent change of pace and might open your eyes to more delicious plant-based meals like:

• Veggie lasagna
• Vegetarian pizza
• Pasta with lentils
• Homemade falafel and hummus
• Protein-packed salads

The possibilities for Meatless Monday are endless! Your body and the environment will thank you for eating more plants.

Tip adapted  from The Monday Campaigns

All-in-One Sheet-Pan Brown Rice with Sweet Potato and Broccoli Rabe

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed of woody ends
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and roughly cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt, for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 small bunch scallions, light and green parts thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain brown rice, tossed with 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 cups free-range chicken broth
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup finely grated pecorino (or more, to taste)

Directions:

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper and lower positions, place a rimmed sheet pan on each rack to warm up, and heat the oven to 400° F.
2. When the oven is hot, toss the broccoli rabe with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, then divide onto the hot baking sheets and spread with a spoon. It should sizzle.
3. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until tender and charred. Transfer to a bowl and return baking sheets to the oven. Sprinkle broccoli rabe with 1 teaspoon or so of lemon juice from the halved lemon.
4. Mix the sweet potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika. Spread onto the hot baking sheets and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once, until charred in places and tender throughout. Transfer to the bowl with the broccoli rabe.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 350° F. Add the sliced scallions to one of the still-hot baking sheets (you can remove the other from the oven but leave it dirty—you’ll use that later). Roast for 5 to 7 minutes, until wilted. Next, add the oil-tossed rice, stirring to incorporate the scallions and any roasty bits from the baking sheet.
6. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice and stir in the liquid. Use oven mitts to cover the sheet with aluminum foil and crimp it around the edges. Bake for 35 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. In the last 10 minutes of baking time, add the hazelnuts to the other tray and toast until deeply golden brown. Rub off the skins in a dish towel, if you’d like, then roughly chop.
7. When the rice is cooked through, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the foil, fluff with a fork, then transfer to the bowl with the sweet potato and broccoli rabe. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix in parsley, pecorino, and hazelnuts, reserving some of each for the top.

Recipe adapted from Food52

What Is Meatless Monday?

Thanks to new (and much more delicious) meat substitutes, more people are swapping at least one meal weekly for a vegetarian dish. One of the most popular ways to do this is starting Meatless Monday in your household!

Eating less meat and more plant-based choices has many potential health and environmental benefits. While you might not be ready or interested in giving up meat entirely, subbing in meatless meals on Monday is an excellent change of pace and might open your eyes to more delicious plant-based meals like:

• Veggie lasagna
• Vegetarian pizza
• Pasta with lentils
• Homemade falafel and hummus
• Protein-packed salads

The possibilities for Meatless Monday are endless! Your body and the environment will thank you for eating more plants.

Tip adapted  from The Monday Campaigns

You May Be Able To File Your State And Federal Tax Returns For Free

Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less may be able to file their federal taxes for free using IRS Free File and do their state taxes at no charge through the same service. More than 20 states have a Free File program similar to the federal service.

IRS Free File partners also feature several helpful online products. Through Free File, taxpayers can choose the Free File option, guided tax preparation, or Free File Fillable Forms. Make sure to filter for the free options because some additional services may have a charge.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS

Photo of the Week

North American Bull Elk

Maxwell Wildlife Preserve, Kansas

Financial planning and investment advisory services offered through Cleveland Wealth, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified wealth advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.