May 24, 2025
Tech Roars, the Fed Waits
Weekend Wisdom – Unlock Your Wealth with Heather
Wagenhals
Markets ended the week with a familiar split: big
tech led the charge while broader sectors lagged behind. The
S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted gains, thanks in large part to
Nvidia’s explosive earnings beat and bullish AI outlook. Meanwhile,
investors parsed Fed minutes and adjusted expectations around
upcoming rate cuts.
In this Weekend Wisdom episode, Heather Wagenhals
breaks down the week’s key moves—including a closer look at
Nvidia’s influence, market breadth concerns, and what narrowing
leadership means for smart investors. She also previews next week’s
crucial PCE inflation report, a short trading week due to Memorial
Day, and the earnings reports that could shape sentiment heading
into June.
Subscribe now and prepare your mindset before
Monday.
Transcript:
From Fed Calm to Tech Triumph: Keeping Your Strategy on
Track
This week brought a mix of cautious optimism
and steady hands as investors weighed new data on consumer spending
alongside subdued inflation updates. Markets appeared comfortable
with the possibility of the Federal Reserve holding rates steady at
upcoming meetings, boosting the broad sentiment.
“Welcome back, WealthBuilders—and those On
Schedule to be a Millionaire.
I’m Heather Wagenhals, and this is your
Unlock Your Wealth Weekend Wisdom for Monday, May 19 through
Friday, May 23, 2025.
Equity benchmarks rounded the week higher,
bolstered by a blend of consumer spending data and favorable tech
earnings. The Dow Jones rose nearly 0.9%, the S&P 500 gained
around 1.2%, and the Nasdaq added roughly 1.4%—with tech stocks
getting an extra push from upbeat forward guidance on AI and cloud
services. Meanwhile, oil prices inched up to settle near $72 per
barrel on resilient demand expectations, while gold dipped slightly
after a calmer inflation read triggered less safe-haven buying.
Bitcoin hovered around $32,000, suggesting a level of stability
despite recent regulatory headlines. All eyes remained on the
Federal Reserve’s language surrounding interest rates, which hinted
at a hold for now, calming some investor nerves.
My Take
A cautiously positive tone seemed to define
this week, illustrating how investor confidence can strengthen when
there’s some consensus about the Fed’s next move. Fears of a rate
hike took a backseat, and that breathing room gave growth-oriented
sectors—especially tech—the momentum to climb. But remember, in
investing as in life, clarity on policy doesn’t eliminate risk; it
simply shifts it. Keep your focus on fundamentals, diversify
appropriately, and avoid chasing short-term market
excitement.
What’s Coming Up
Next week, be on the lookout for new housing
data, which could provide additional clues about consumer
resilience in a higher-rate environment. A handful of key earnings
reports from retail giants will also shine a light on shifting
consumer sentiment and spending patterns. On the economic calendar,
jobless claims and a fresh consumer confidence reading may refine
the market’s outlook on whether the Fed truly stands pat at its
next meeting. Stay poised for market swings as investors digest
these signals and adjust portfolios accordingly.
Closing
Money Mantra (repeat in voice + show
text):
“I’m a strategic thinker with a clear
financial plan and the commitment to see it through.
Every smart choice I make today brings me
one step closer to the life I desire.”
“That’s your Unlock Your Wealth Weekend
Wisdom. I’m Heather Wagenhals…
Where we unpack the week’s meaning, align
your mindset for what’s ahead, and build a strategy that
lasts.
Until next time, take deliberate action—and
go out and Unlock Your Wealth today.”
