Global Economy’s Week-Long Milestones: What Shaped the Market Last 7 Days

U.S. Market: A Quarter of Momentum

At the close of the last quarter, the U.S. equity scene felt more like a pop‑up concert than a corporate boardroom. Investors were cheering, and the market was playing along — the S&P 500 hit new highs in both closing and intraday marks, proving there was still plenty of optimism floating around.

Small‑Cap Stars Shine Bright

SPY‑Equal‑Weighted Jump? The equal‑weighted version of the S&P 500 surged by 1.64%, outpacing the usual market‑weighted counterpart’s modest 0.39% rise.
Russell 2000 Over‑Deliver Small caps stole the spotlight, outperforming their large‑cap peers and adding depth to the rally.

Wake‑up Call from the Baltimore Port

In a twist that could have sent a ripple of panic across cargo corridors, the collapse of a crucial bridge shut down one of the country’s biggest ports. Logistics folks were on edge, wondering how this disruption might ripple through the wider economy.

What the Numbers Say

Durable Goods & Housing – A Mixed Bag

Durable goods orders ticked up by 1.4% in February, hinting at solid business health behind the scenes.
Housing turned out to be a soap opera: new home sales unexpectedly fell, while existing home sales popped — a classic “one foot in front of the other” scenario.

European Pulse – Light & Brimming with Caution

European markets traded lightly but ended with gains before the Easter break, driven by a record intraday high for the STOXX Europe 600.
Government bond yields dipped, and the ECB hinted at a rate cut, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy vibes.
Key economies: The UK slipped into recession for the first time since 2020, Germany’s retail sales plummeted and growth expectations got trimmed, while Spain showed a modest uptick in retail sales and a drop in industrial producer prices.
Overall, consumer sentiment in Europe lit up a bit, suggesting cautious optimism among shoppers.

Globetrotter Overview

Japan – Yen’s Gloom & Export Glory

The Japanese yen’s slip has sparked discussions about possible government intervention, yet exporters are riding the wave — weak currency, strong export outlook, weird but awesome.

China – Property Woes & Industrial Resurgence

China’s markets keep feeling the haunting shadow of a sluggish property sector, even as the government pledges openness to foreign capital and support for staples. The industrial side is gaining momentum, with a surge in profits, but deflation and the property slump keep investors wary.

In a Nutshell – Global Snack Mix

From U.S. gains and European caution to Japanese yen drama and Chinese real estate jitters, the world’s markets are dancing to quite a complex rhythm. Understanding these intertwined beats is vital for anyone looking to stride confidently in today’s business jungle.