Equities Mixed in Holiday-Shortened Week

Stocks ended an abbreviated week of trading with mixed results as the U.S. markets closed a day early in observance of Good Friday. Throughout the week, investors weighed trade talks, interest rate uncertainty and concerns about a global economic retreat. Big-tech shares began the week on a positive note as investors hoped a temporary tariff exemption for electronics imports would remain in force. However, the optimism from earlier in the week proved short-lived as tech shares declined, pulled lower by some of the megacaps. By the close of trading, only the Russell 2000 and the Global Dow posted gains among the major benchmark indexes. Ten-year Treasury yields slipped lower as three straight days of declines more than offset last Thursday’s gains. Crude oil prices rose nearly 5.0% as sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports stoked fears of increasing global supply constraints.

Retail Sales Rose in March

Retail sales rose 1.4% in March after advancing 0.2% in February. From March 2024, retail sales increased 4.6%. Retail trade sales also increased 1.4% from February 2025 and 4.6% from last year. Motor vehicle and parts dealer sales were up 8.8% from last year, while nonstore (online) retail sales were up 4.8% from March 2024.

Eye on the Week Ahead

Economic reports focus on the real estate sector this week. The March data on sales of both new and existing homes is available. February was a good month for sales of existing homes and new single-family homes. However, mortgage rates have remained elevated, which could impact sales during the spring season.