Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors' favorite stocks over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. stocks suffered their sharpest setback in months as stronger-than-expected labor market data fueled fears that the Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates again. The Nasdaq-100 posted its worst daily decline since the tariff-driven selloff earlier this year, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also retreated as investors reassessed expectations for monetary policy.
Technology and growth stocks led the decline, reversing part of the AI-driven rally that had powered markets to record highs in recent months. Higher Treasury yields weighed heavily on richly valued technology companies, while semiconductor and software names came under pressure as traders rotated away from risk assets. The selloff extended beyond equities, with cryptocurrencies experiencing a sharp downturn as Bitcoin and other digital assets fell amid the broader risk-off move.
Bond markets reflected the changing outlook, with traders increasingly pricing in the possibility of another Fed rate hike if inflation remains stubborn and economic activity stays strong. The shift marked a significant change from earlier expectations that policymakers would begin easing later in the year.
