Last week, U.S. equity markets finished mixed as economic data and policy developments shaped sentiment.

The S&P 500 declined about 0.3%, the Nasdaq Composite gained roughly 0.5%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was nearly flat amid diverging sector leadership. Consumer confidence fell to a four-month low, signaling pressure on household budgets, while January PCE inflation remained subdued, reinforcing easing price pressures. A Supreme Court decision striking down certain U.S. tariffs further influenced markets by reducing supply-chain and cost concerns for manufacturers.

Next week’s economic calendar centers on February’s nonfarm payrolls, unemployment rate, and average hourly earnings – key indicators for assessing labor-market momentum and Federal Reserve policy expectations. These releases arrive alongside the final stretch of earnings season, with major technology, industrial, and consumer companies reporting results and guidance. Investors will monitor commentary on demand trends, supply-chain costs, and capital spending, as macroeconomic data and corporate outlooks converge to shape expectations for growth and inflation.

Given this economic backdrop, let us see how this impacts the performance of various investment strategies.