The S&P 500 Index gained more than 10% in April, recovering its March decline and setting a new high. Nine of eleven sectors traded higher as stocks recovered from the March selloff, but eight sectors underperformed the index as mega-cap stocks represented a majority of the gains. Bonds traded lower in April as Treasury yields increased. However, corporate bonds outperformed Treasury bonds as credit spreads tightened.
Market Commentary 9/11/25
The S&P 500 gained 2.1% in August, extending its year-to-date return to 10.7%. Led by a 3.2% gain in Large Cap Value stocks, Growth trailed with a more modest 1.2% return. Health Care emerged as the best-performing sector, helping to lift the index, while Utilities and Technology lagged.
Bond markets also generated positive returns in August as Treasury yields declined. The U.S. Aggregate Bond Index rose 1.2%, while investment-grade corporates posted 1.0% and high-yield bonds returned +1.1%.
In international markets, a weaker U.S. dollar led to international equity outperformance vs. the U.S. Developed markets returned 4.5%, and emerging markets returned 2.7%, both outperforming U.S. stocks.
Fed Signals a Shift
The Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates throughout 2025 as inflation risks, particularly around tariffs, persisted. However, the tone turned when July’s jobs report indicated softer hiring and a rise in unemployment to 4.2%, echoing signs that higher borrowing costs are weighing on growth.
At the Jackson Hole symposium, Chair Powell acknowledged the shifting balance of risks, hinting at a potential rate cut as early as the September 17 meeting. This shift in narrative prompted both stocks and bonds to rally on expectations of a forthcoming policy pivot.
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The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 8% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index.
The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value.
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network did not assist in the preparation of this report, and its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. The report herein is not a complete analysis of every material fact in respect to any company, industry or security. The opinions expressed here reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of the report and are subject to change without notice. Any market prices are only indications of market values and are subject to change. The material has been prepared or is distributed solely for information purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. Additional information is available upon request. PM-03092027-8369781.1.1
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The S&P 500 Index gained more than 10% in April, recovering its March decline and setting a new high. Nine of eleven sectors traded higher as stocks recovered from the March selloff, but eight sectors underperformed the index as mega-cap stocks represented a majority of the gains. Bonds traded lower in April as Treasury yields increased. However, corporate bonds outperformed Treasury bonds as credit spreads tightened.
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