Video: ‘Optimism is brewing on Wall Street’

Despite Moody’s downgrade, the risk of recession is declining, along with investors’ pessimism

May 20, 20253 min watch

BOK Financial® Chief Investment Strategist Steve Wyett and Cavanal Hill Investment Management President Matt Stephani explore the recent stock market gains and why, despite Moody's recent U.S. credit downgrade, there may be some more positive weeks ahead for stocks.

KEY POINTS

  • The U.S.-China trade deal drove investors back to buying stocks last week, with the S&P 500 up more than 5%, the Nasdaq up close to 7% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 3.5%.
  • The market has had a muted response to Moody’s downgrade of U.S. credit, but the move reinforces why the federal government needs to cut spending or increase revenue going forward.
  • The risk of recession continues to decline, but stock market volatility likely will remain.
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