Stock Markets
Major stock indexes experienced a mixed week with notable volatility across sectors. The S&P 500 slipped 1.6% to close 6,238.01, while the Nasdaq Composite pulled back 2.24% 20,650.13. However, markets showed resilience later in the week, with the US500 rose to 6389 points on August 8, 2025, gaining 0.78% from the previous session. The S&P 500 gained 0.73% to close at 6,345.06, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.21% and settled at 21,169.42. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 81.38 points, or 0.18%, ending at 44,193.12.
The week was characterized by strong earnings results from key technology companies, particularly Apple, which climbed 5% after a White House official confirmed to CNBC that the iPhone maker is going to benefit from new policy developments. Despite earlier volatility, the rebound in risk appetite drove the S&P 500 up 1.5%, its biggest rally since May. Almost every major group in the US equity benchmark advanced, and about 85% of its companies closed higher.
Looking at year-over-year performance, the index has climbed 2.01% and is up 19.56% compared to the same time last year, demonstrating the market’s underlying strength despite short-term fluctuations.
U.S. Economy
The week’s economic data presented a mixed picture for the U.S. economy. Initial Jobless Claims in the United States increased to 226 thousand in the week ending August 2 of 2025 from 219 thousand in the previous week, indicating a modest uptick in unemployment applications. Additionally, Continuing Jobless Claims in the United States increased to 1974 thousand in the week ending July 26 of 2025 from 1936 thousand in the previous week, suggesting some persistence in unemployment levels.
On the inflation front, Inflation Rate in the United States increased to 2.70 percent in June from 2.40 percent in May of 2025, showing upward pressure on consumer prices and potentially complicating Federal Reserve policy decisions.
The labor market data suggests some cooling from previous strength, with jobless claims rising though remaining at historically reasonable levels. The uptick in both initial and continuing claims bears watching as an indicator of broader economic momentum.
Metals and Mining
Precious metals showed strong performance this week, particularly silver, which demonstrated exceptional gains. Silver rose to 38.38 USD/t.oz on August 8, 2025, up 0.27% from the previous day. Over the past month, Silver’s price has risen 5.51%, and is up 39.83% compared to the same time last year, making it one of the standout performers in the commodities sector.
Gold continued to maintain its position as a preferred safe-haven asset despite market volatility. The precious metals complex has benefited from ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and concerns about monetary policy, with investors seeking assets that traditionally perform well during periods of economic uncertainty.
The strong performance in precious metals, particularly silver’s nearly 40% year-over-year gain, reflects both industrial demand and investment interest. Silver’s dual role as both an industrial metal and a store of value has contributed to its outperformance relative to other precious metals.
Energy and Oil
The energy sector faced headwinds this week, with oil prices declining significantly. Crude Oil fell to 63.35 USD/Bbl on August 8, 2025, down 0.83% from the previous day. Over the past month, Crude Oil’s price has fallen 7.36%, and is down 17.56% compared to the same time last year.
The weakness in oil prices reflects multiple factors including concerns about global economic growth, potential increases in supply, and demand uncertainties. The significant year-over-year decline of nearly 18% indicates sustained pressure on energy markets, which contrasts sharply with the strength seen in precious metals.
Natural gas markets remained active, though specific weekly data was limited in available reports. The broader energy complex continues to navigate between supply dynamics and demand concerns amid changing global economic conditions.
World Markets
European equity markets showed generally positive momentum during the week, supported by earnings results and monetary policy expectations. Market participants continued to monitor central bank policies across major economies, with particular attention to potential rate changes and their impact on global equity valuations.
Asian markets displayed mixed performance, with investors weighing regional economic data against global market trends. The interconnected nature of global markets meant that developments in U.S. markets had significant influence on trading patterns across international exchanges.
Emerging markets faced headwinds from dollar strength and commodity price movements, particularly in energy-dependent economies. The divergence between precious metals and energy commodities created different impacts across various international markets.
The Week Ahead
Key economic releases scheduled for the coming week include:
Key Topics to Watch:
• U.S. Consumer Price Index for July
• Initial jobless claims for August 15
• Producer Price Index data
• Retail sales figures for July
• Industrial production numbers
• Federal Reserve meeting minutes
• Consumer sentiment preliminary reading for August
Market participants will be particularly focused on inflation data to gauge the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves, while earnings season continues with additional major companies reporting results. The interaction between economic data, corporate earnings, and monetary policy expectations will likely drive market direction in the coming week.
Commodity markets will continue to reflect the balance between economic growth concerns and supply-demand dynamics, with particular attention on energy prices and their potential impact on inflation readings.