Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98 percent. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index dropped an eye-catching 3.47 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.03 percent.

Trade Talk

The week began under pressure after the White House said 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada would begin after the 30-day pause ends in early March.

On Tuesday, S&P and Nasdaq stocks continued their slide on news that consumer confidence weakened more than expected. Concerns about inflation and tariffs merged with investors fretting over economic growth and global trade. It was the fourth straight day of declines for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. The Dow, however, advanced for its third consecutive session.

After a quiet Wednesday, stock fell broadly on Thursday after the White House announced additional tariffs on goods from China and Europe. A large chipmaker prominent in artificial intelligence (AI) matters produced a mixed corporate report for Q4, which put some pressure on the broader market.

Friday’s news that inflation moderated boosted stocks, with prices accelerating higher into the close of trading. The Fed’s favorite core inflation measure hit 2.6 percent in January, which aligns with forecasts.

Getting A Read On Tariffs

Markets dislike uncertainty, so steady trade talk produces volatile intra-week trading. Investors don’t know what tariffs will be enforced versus which ones are part of an ongoing negotiation, which can produce unsettling price swings.

S&P 500 companies echo some of that uncertainty. At last check, 146 have mentioned the term “tariff” or “tariffs” on Q4 conference calls with shareholders–the highest level since Q2 2019.

Monday: ISM Manufacturing. Construction Spending.

Tuesday:  Auto Sales. New York Fed President Williams speaks.

Wednesday:   ADP Employment Report. Factory Orders. ISM Services Index.

Thursday:   Productivity. Trade Deficit. Wholesale Inventories.

Friday:   Employment Situation. Consumer Credit. New York Fed President Williams speaks.

Source: Econoday

Tuesday: CrowdStrike (CRWD), Target Corporation (TGT), AutoZone, Inc. (AZO)

Wednesday:  Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL)

Thursday: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

Source:Zacks.com

Sources: YCharts.com, March 1, 2025

Weekly performance is measured from the close of trading Friday February 24, to Friday, February 28 close.

What Is Foam Rolling?

Exercise is super important for our overall health, but so is recovery. Foam rollers are a popular recovery tool because they help release tension in tight, tired muscles.

Foam rollers are large cylinders made from high-density foam. They come in different sizes and firmness levels and can massage large and smaller muscle groups. You can use the foam roller before or after a workout, depending on your needs.

You can do countless foam rolling exercises for sore muscles, including rolling out your hamstrings, quads, upper back, lower back, IT band, triceps, forearm, and more.

Tip adapted from WebMD

Slow-Cooker Italian-Braised Pork Shoulder

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• Cooked polenta, for serving
• Finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat a 5-to 6-quart slow cooker.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Season pork with salt and pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer pork to the slow cooker.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add onion, garlic, celery, and fennel seeds to skillet; cook until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add wine. Cook, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add to slow cooker along with tomatoes. Cover and cook on high until pork is very tender, 4 hours (or on low for 8 hours).
4. Transfer pork to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred meat into bite-size pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Skim fat off sauce. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to combine. Serve over polenta, sprinkled with cheese.

Recipe adapted from Food52

Center Shafted Putters

A center shafted putter is where the shaft connects directly to the center of the putter head instead of the heel like most putters. This offers a different look and provides a few unique benefits that heel putters do not offer.

Center shaft putters are nothing  new in the golf world  and have been around for decades. One of the best benefits to using a center shaft putter is the improved alignment for better accuracy. As you know, getting a putt started on the right line is key to making more putts. You can have the best green reading routine and pre-shot routine, but if it starts in the wrong direction, none of it will matter.

Luckily, this type of putter makes it easier to see the line more clearly and offers better alignment. Plus, watch putter design is unique and some might have even better alignment aids to help the ball get started on the correct line.

Another reason golfers prefer center shaft vs. heel shaft putters is the face balance design. In this design, the face is not meant to rotate throughout the stroke and provides more stability. This reduces the chances of the putter head twisting too much and instead, maintains a smooth stroke. Which should lead to a more predictable putt that helps with distance control and accuracy.

Tip adapted  from The Monday Campaigns

Don’t Forget To Check Your Withholding

When was the last time you checked your tax withholding? Having the correct amount of tax withheld from your wages is part of managing your taxes. The amount you withhold depends on your income, the number of children you claim on your return, and more.

The IRS has a helpful tool on their site called their Tax Withholding Estimator that can help you know if you have too much or too little tax withheld from your wages. Before using the tool, have all your paperwork handy, including your W2, 1099, 1095-A, and 1099-NEC, and any other forms to determine how much your income is taxable.

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

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kyoto, Japan

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.