π° Weekly Market Recap (July 28 β August 2, 2025)
Despite concerning economic signals and weak sector breadth, major indexes saw a minor pullback after a strong July. Energy and Utilities offered defensive gains while cyclicals led the decline.
π Index Performance
| Index | % Change (Jul 28 β Aug 2) |
|---|---|
| S&P 500 | -2.38% |
| Nasdaq | -2.50% |
| Dow Jones | -2.79% |
π‘ AI-Powered Stock Picks β Weekly Performance
| Company | % Change |
|---|---|
| Oracle (ORCL) | -1.33% |
| Jabil (JBL) | -2.77% |
| EstΓ©e Lauder (EL) | -1.60% |
π Sector Snapshot
- Utilities: +1.07% β Defensive rotation amid market weakness.
- Communication Services: -0.55%
- Energy: -1.28% β Outperformed broader market on oil stability.
- Technology: -2.14% β Growth names cooled after a strong July.
- Consumer Cyclical: -4.66% β Retail and discretionary under pressure.
π§ Macro Focus β The Wild Week in the U.S. Economy
- Economic Fog Lifts: Official GDP and spending data showed marked slowdown for H1 2025.
- Fed Holds Steady: Interest rates left unchanged due to inflation + labor market signals.
- Jobs Shock: Only 73K jobs added in July β slowest 3-month pace since 2010 (excluding COVID period).
- Trump Reacts: President fires statistical chief after poor data; political drama returns.
- Hiring Weak Spots: Mining, manufacturing, retail, and government cut jobs; healthcare only major gainer.
- Tariff Impact Emerging: Inflation and business caution tied to Trumpβs protectionist policy shift.
π Outlook
- β οΈ Soft hiring and declining consumer spending could pressure Q3 earnings expectations.
- π¦ Supply chains bracing for delayed tariff pass-through in consumer prices.
- π³οΈ Political unpredictability from Trump continues to inject volatility into markets.
- π‘ Tech sector may stabilize as AI infrastructure remains in demand.
π Key Takeaway
The market is entering August with rising uncertainty across jobs, consumption, and inflation. While earnings season has supported valuations so far, macro stress signals are flashing brighter. Stay selective and focus on companies with resilient balance sheets and real pricing power.
