Economic data for the holiday-shortened week included strength in the May employment situation report and construction spending, while ISM manufacturing and consumer confidence declined.

Global stocks broadly rose last week, helped by the conclusion to the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations and strong labor data. Bonds fared well as interest rates ticked downward. Commodities were mixed, with energy again falling back.

Economic data for the week included a revision higher for Q1 GDP, as well as reported gains in personal income, personal spending, and durable goods. New home sales also saw an increase, while jobless claims reset from recent unusual filing activity.

U.S. stocks were higher overall on the week, with sentiment increasingly tied to U.S. debt limit negotiations. Signs of positivity mid-week were followed by less enthusiasm by Friday as plans hit a ‘pause.’ It appears that Congress and the President have been ramping up efforts to find a debt ceiling deal, with a rising consensus the Treasury will exhaust funds in early- to mid-June.

Economic news for the week included the FOMC hiking rates by another quarter-percent, raising speculation that this might be for the final time this cycle. The employment situation report came in stronger than expected, with a falling unemployment rate, although other details were less robust. ISM services improved further into expansion, as did ISM manufacturing, although the latter remained in contraction—the mixed results reflect the uncertain prospects for recession (or not).

Equities were mixed globally, with flattish results in the U.S. and Europe seeing gains. Bonds fared well as weaker economic data pulled down treasury yields. Commodities rose upon early week news of oil production cuts, boosting prices in the energy space.

Financial news was dominated by concerns over the viability of several U.S. banks, wavering between fear and relief during the week. Economic data included declines in retail sales and consumer sentiment, while housing starts gained sharply. A variety of other data, which included industrial production and regional manufacturing indexes, were mixed.

In an unusually light week for economic data releases, consumer sentiment improved and jobless claims continued to come in at low levels. Bank lending standards have continued to tighten, due to recession fears.

Equities were mixed to lower last week, despite little news. Bonds fell back as interest rates ticked higher. Commodities gained overall, as crude oil prices soared.

Economic data for the week included U.S. GDP coming in for Q4 at a stronger pace than expected, in addition to positive reports for durable goods orders, new home sales, and consumer sentiment.

Global stocks rose last week, with the U.S. leading the way, upon rising hopes for the economy achieving a soft landing and inflation easing. Bonds were little changed on the week. Commodities were mixed, with both crude oil and natural gas prices falling due to higher supply pressures.