A look back at the past provides reason for optimism for the week ahead. Since 1953, the S&P 500 has risen by a median of about 0.5% in the last week of August, according to data analyzed by Bespoke Investment Group. Looking only at the last 10 years, the median return rises to about 1.1%. That’s a bright spot before a historically weak period for the market. According to data from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, September is on average the worst month for the S&P 500 since 1950. The broad market index records an average monthly loss of 0.7%. Things could be different in the new month, as was the case in August. The almanac’s data shows the S&P 500 is unchanged on average for the month. Still, the benchmark is up more than 1% since the beginning of the month. .SPX 1M Mount The S&P 500, 1 Month The week ahead also holds a few events that could move the market in the final trading days of the month. Investors and analysts will be keeping a close eye on earnings from AI darling Nvidia, due on Wednesday. Attention will then turn to the July personal consumption expenditures price index reading due on Friday, which traders will be watching for new insights into inflation trends.
