U.S. markets were closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in observation of Presidents Day. On Tuesday, U.S. stocks were relatively stagnant, with the S&P 500 edging up 0.2%, bringing its year-to-date gain to 4.4%.  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat, maintaining a 5.1% year-to-date increase. The Nasdaq composite added 0.1%, with a 3.9% gain year-to-date.  

Commodities showed strength as gold surged 2.1% to $2,954, marking a 10.7% year-to-date increase. Oil rose 1.7% but remains down 1.8% year-to-date.  

In the bond market, the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose 7.4 basis points to 4.6%, though it has declined 1.1 basis points year-to-date, reflecting investor sentiment on interest rates and economic outlook.  

U.S. stocks inched higher on Wednesday as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which signaled a cautious approach to rate cuts. The S&P 500 and the Dow both climbed 0.2%, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.1%. Small caps underperformed, with Russell 2000 slipping 0.3%.  

Overseas, the FTSE 100 dropped 0.6% amid global economic uncertainty.  

U.S. stocks slid Thursday as ongoing tariff and inflation concerns affected investor sentiment. The S&P 500 dropped 0.4% while the Dow led losses, sinking 1%. The Nasdaq declined 0.5% and small caps struggled, with the Russell 2000 falling 0.9%.  

Meanwhile, the Stoxx 600 Bank Index — a European Stock Index — is up 18% year-to-date, supported by strong earnings, buybacks, and consolidation efforts. The index is on track for its 10th straight weekly gain, marking its best winning streak since 1997. 

Economic resilience concerns were reflected in the market on Friday as investors reacted to a drop in consumer sentiment and weaker-than-expected inflation forecasts. The S&P 500 and the Dow both sank 1.7%, marking their worst trading day of the year. The Nasdaq plunged 2.2%, while small caps were hit the hardest, with the Russell falling 2.9%.  

In the bond market, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield declined 7.7 basis points to 4.4%, signaling a shift toward safe-haven assets amid market volatility. All three major indexes ended the week lower, reflecting a risk-off sentiment across markets. Investors are remaining cautious amid uncertainty around tariffs, consumer sentiment and inflation concerns.