In May 2025, U.S. stock markets achieved a strong monthly performance, with major indices recording their best monthly performances since November 2023. The S&P 500 rose more than 6%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 9.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 3.9%.[1]
The technology sector drove market gains in May, with contributions from semiconductors, software, travel, and automotive stocks. In contrast, the healthcare, energy, telecom, and Chinese tech sectors underperformed. Equity markets gained in May; however, Treasury yields rose as investors reacted to inflation risks, rising deficits, and a more aggressive outlook from the Federal Reserve.[2]
Overall, in May, stocks rose on easing trade tensions, but economic concerns kept pressure on bonds, resulting in a balanced and cautious market. Despite recent volatility, we recommend maintaining disciplined, Evidence-Based investment strategies to achieve long-term goals.
All data as of 6/01/25. Source: YCharts
Past performance does not guarantee future results. All data is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed or warranted.
All indexes have certain limitations. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Indexes have no fees. Historical performance results for investment indexes generally do not reflect the deduction of transaction and/or custodial charges or the deduction of an investment management fee, the incurrence of which would have the effect of decreasing historical performance. Actual performance for client accounts may differ materially from the index portfolios.
The S&P 500 Index represents the 500 leading U.S. companies, approximately 80% of the total U.S. market capitalization. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ). The NASDAQ Composite measures all NASDAQ domestic and international based common type stocks listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market and includes over 2,500 companies.
[1] “May 2025 Review and Outlook.” Nasdaq. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/may-2025-review-and-outlook
[2] “May 2025 Review and Outlook.” Nasdaq. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/may-2025-review-and-outlook
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No one should assume that future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, product, or non-investment-related content made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter will be profitable. You should not assume any discussion or information contained in this email serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice. Symmetry does not provide tax or legal advice and nothing either stated or implied here should be inferred as providing such advice. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions.
Diversification seeks to improve performance by spreading your investment dollars into various asset classes to add balance to your portfolio. Using this methodology, however, does not guarantee a profit or protection from loss in a declining market. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
