Choppy Week for Stocks Ends Higher as Treasury Yields Hit 24-Year Highs:
Stocks ended last week higher after a choppy stretch in which a kitchen sink of economic, geopolitical, and AI-related events competed for investors’ attention. Here is how each index finished, what moved markets, and what is on the calendar this week.
The S&P 500 Index rose 1.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.64 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.93 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 0.45 percent.1,2
A Choppy Advance
Stocks opened higher to start the week, demonstrating continued resilience despite rising Treasury yields. Stocks continued their climb on Tuesday as cooler yields prevailed and oil prices treaded water. AI chipmakers led the broad market higher, with the S&P 500 closing above 7,800 for the first time and the Nasdaq also notching a record close.3,4
Then markets stumbled midweek, opening lower on Wednesday after Treasury yields hit fresh multidecade highs. However, stocks rebounded after an encouraging 10-year Treasury auction appeared to allay some fears, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq reversing the lion’s share of declines by the closing bell.5
Jitters crept back into market sentiment as stocks opened lower Thursday. The Nasdaq closed down nearly 1½ percent, its biggest one-day decline since mid-August.6
Stocks rebounded Friday to finish the week strong, with megacap tech stocks rallying and oil prices falling on news of a deal to supply diesel to U.S. and global markets. Healthcare stocks also contributed to the gains as the Nasdaq logged its fourth consecutive weekly gain.7
As the Fed Turns
Three things happened on Wednesday that made the Federal Reserve’s job a bit more complex as it weighs its decision on interest rates at its next meeting later this month.
Yields on both the bellwether 10-year Treasury note and the 30-year Treasury bond hit new 24-year highs, which contributed to mortgage rates reaching a near-three-year high. However, a well-received auction of 10-year Treasury notes seemed to suggest that buyers believed yields would eventually fall again.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Source: EarningsWhispers
Author
Gary Aiken
Chief Investment Officer
Concord Asset Management
—
Footnotes and Sources
1WSJ.com, October 9, 2026
2Investing.com, October 9, 2026
3CNBC.com, October 5, 2026
4CNBC.com, October 6, 2026
5WSJ.com, October 7, 2026
6CNBC.com, October 8, 2026
7CNBC.com, October 9, 2026
8WSJ.com, October 7, 2026
Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Concord Asset Management, or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this article will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this article serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Concord Asset Management. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.
The companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any specific securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice. The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general. U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks, including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility. Please consult your financial professional for additional information.
Concord Asset Management is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of the content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of Concord Asset Management’ current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https://concordwealthpartners.com/. Please Note: If you are a Concord Asset Management or Concord Wealth Partners client, please remember to contact the firm in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating, and/or revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Concord Asset Management and Concord Wealth Partners shall continue to rely on the accuracy of information that you have provided. Please Note: If you are a Concord Asset Management or Concord Wealth Partners client, please advise us if you have not been receiving account statements (at least quarterly) from the account custodian.