Market Week

Stocks closed mostly higher during a volatile week.

Entering last week, investors were poised to review the latest employment data and its potential impact on the course of the Federal Reserve.

A late rally sent stocks higher by the end of last week. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained nearly 2.0%, with the Nasdaq climbing 2.6% to lead the way.

Wall Street reacted negatively to hotter-than-expected inflation data at the end of last week.

Investors spent much of last week contemplating the impact of the latest inflation data and favorable economic reports.

Stocks dipped lower last week as investors mulled the direction of the economy as the Federal Reserve continued to increase interest rates, bolstered by January’s strong labor report.

Wall Street ended last week higher on favorable inflation, economic, and corporate earnings data. Investors now must await the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week to see whether the Fed will soften its policy of aggressive interest-rate hikes.

Crude oil prices climbed higher for the second straight week on optimism over China’s anticipated increase in demand. The dollar held relatively steady, while gold prices increased $7.00 per ounce.