05/13/2026
⬇️Weekly Market Update⬇️
🔹U.S. stocks moved higher this week as strong earnings, AI growth, and rising business investment continued to support the market. March Factory Orders saw the biggest monthly increase since November.
🔹The labor market remains resilient, with hiring expanding beyond healthcare into transportation, retail, and construction — though labor force participation continues to decline.
🔹Inflation pressures are still impacting consumers. Wage growth has slowed, savings rates are falling, and more households are relying on credit to keep spending.
🔹Higher-income households continue driving much of consumer spending, while many middle- and lower-income families are still feeling the pressure of rising costs.
🔹Overall, the economy is still growing, supported by AI investment and steady markets, but inflation and affordability remain important risks to watch.
Read it here: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/equity-gains-and-surging-energy-costs-divide-us-consumers-northwestern-mutual/
