Weekly Market Recap (November 17–21, 2025)
Stocks fell again as a sharp Tech drawdown overshadowed defensive strength. An Nvidia-fueled morning surge reversed into week-long selling; healthcare held up while cyclicals lagged.
Index Performance (Weekly)
| Index | Weekly Change |
|---|---|
| S&P 500 | −1.04% |
| Nasdaq | −1.92% |
| Dow Jones | −0.74% |
Sector Snapshot (1-Week)
Communication Services
+1.89%
Healthcare
+1.48%
Consumer Defensive
+0.77%
Real Estate
−0.11%
Utilities
−1.14%
Financial
−1.59%
Industrials
−1.71%
Basic Materials
−1.85%
Energy
−2.66%
Consumer Cyclical
−3.03%
Technology
−4.70%
AI Picks Performance (Week)
| Stock | Weekly Return | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Micron Technology (MU) | −14.29% | Post-earnings AI-memory shakeout hit semis. |
| First Solar (FSLR) | −1.43% | Energy weakness weighed on solar momentum. |
| Alphabet (GOOGL) | +5.14% | Communication Services outperformed on flight to quality. |
The Score — Stocks That Defined the Week
- Nvidia (NVDA): Record $57B revenue and raised outlook couldn’t stop an AI-bubble scare; shares −3.2% Thu and −12% MTD.
- Constellation Energy (CEG): Secured a $1B federal loan to restart Three Mile Island; 20-year power deal with Microsoft; shares +5.3% Wed.
- Eli Lilly (LLY): Joined the $1T market-cap club on weight-loss drug momentum; shares +1.6% Fri.
- Gap (GPS): Beat and raised guidance with broad-based demand; shares +8.2% Fri.
- Lowe’s (LOW) / Home Depot (HD): Lowe’s topped expectations on Pro strength; HD trimmed outlook; LOW +4% Wed.
- Target (TGT): Cut profit outlook and mapped a $5B 2026 reinvestment plan; shares −2.8% Wed.
Outlook
- Positioning: Defensive tilt persists as investors fade crowded AI trades.
- Macro: Rates and holiday-season spending are the next catalysts for cyclicals vs. staples.
- AI power: Nuclear and 24/7 baseload deals (e.g., CEG–Microsoft) highlight infrastructure beneficiaries beyond semis.
Key Takeaway
A dramatic “up-then-down” Nvidia week underscored AI-trade crowding. Defensives and Healthcare held their ground, while Tech and Cyclicals slid. Power and pharma emerged as the surprise winners of the AI economy narrative.