By: Gerry Sparrow
Stocks pushed higher last week, buoyed by strong third-quarter results posted by several money center banks.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.56 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.74 percent.1,2
A Bumpy Week
Stocks rose to start the week after the White House shifted tone over the weekend on trade relations with China. Gains were broad-based—4 out of 5 stocks in the S&P 500 rose—with the index posting its best day since May 27.3
Overnight, the specter of a revived trade war with China reemerged after the country placed sanctions on U.S. subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilders in an apparent effort to increase its control over global shipping. Stocks opened sharply lower the next morning, and then quickly staged an impressive rebound—helped by mostly positive quarterly earnings results from a handful of big money center banks.4Stocks rose again midweek as better-than-expected Q3 corporate results from the biggest banks continued to roll in, overpowering negative sentiment around lingering trade concerns. As the week wrapped, bank stocks and all three broad market averages pushed through jitters to end in the green.5,6,7
Source: YCharts.com, October 18, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, October 13 to Friday, October 17. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
Bank Stock Paradox
While trade tensions with China dominated the attention during the week, some bank news also captured investor interest.
Last week, several money center banks reported expectation-beating Q3 results, underscoring the narrative of a healthy economy and robust consumer spending.
But there was a flip side to the banking sector: a smaller regional bank reported a $50 million credit loss from two commercial loans. The loss also hit larger banks with a stake in the loss. The news rattled the markets. For investors, it evoked memories of two regional bank failures in 2023, raised questions about whether this was a broader systemic issue, and put pressure on bank stocks, both big and small.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Leading Economic Indicators.
Tuesday: Fed governor Christopher Waller speaks.
Wednesday: Atlanta Fed Business Inflation Expectations. 20-Year U.S. Treasury Bond Auction.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Existing Home Sales. Fed Balance Sheet.
Friday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). New Home Sales. PMI Composite–Services. PMI Composite–Manufacturing. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; October 17, 2025. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
Originally posted on October 21, 2025
PHOTO CREDIT: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Harumana+SUN
VIA SHUTTERSTOCK
FOOTNOTES AND SOURCES
1. WSJ.com, October 17, 2025
2. Investing.com, October 17, 2025
3. CNBC.com, October 13, 2025
4. CNBC.com, October 14, 2025
5. WSJ.com, October 15, 2025
6. CNBC.com, October 16, 2025
7. CNBC.com, October 17, 2025
8. WSJ.com, October 17, 2025
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