MW What's next for investors after the stock market's rebound?

By Philip van Doorn

Also in Weekend Reads: Options-trading tactics, software stocks and a spousal Social Security switch

The S&P 500 index hit new highs this week after rebounding from its March 30 low.

In the chart above, you can see how the S&P 500 has rebounded quickly to resume its pattern of setting record highs.

From the market close on Feb. 27, the day before the U.S. and Israel launched their attack on Iran, the S&P 500 SPX declined 8% through March 30. The index then rebounded and resumed hitting new records on Wednesday. Looking back, perhaps that decline was mild, considering the scope of the conflict. But there were 86 stocks among the S&P 500 that fell at least 15% during that period, according to data provided by LSEG.

Joseph Adinolfi and Christine Idzelis shared six charts for investors to keep an eye on as they ponder where the stock market is headed from here.

More coverage of rebounding markets:

-- Signs point to a solid earnings season - and with the S&P 500 topping 7,000, you should believe them

-- Stocks usually take the escalator up and the elevator down. In this latest rebound, it is happening in reverse.

-- U.S. stocks may be moving past the Iran conflict - but these markets aren't sending the 'all clear' just yet

Mark Hulbert: Think the rally is safe? This elite market-timing indicator says a correction is overdue.

For options traders

In his weekly column, Lawrence McMillan outlines complex options-trading suggestions based on the recent movement of stocks and indexes, as well as volatility and corporate events. This week his recommendations are centered on volatility ahead of earnings reports from Tesla $(TSLA)$, Intel $(INTC)$ and International Business Machines $(IBM)$.

Related coverage:

-- Is Tesla a chip stock now? Investors are cheering a semiconductor milestone.

-- Intel's stock has been 'absolutely on fire.' Now it needs to deliver on the hype.

A lesson about investing

Whether you are a veteran investor, a novice or a trader, it is useful to be reminded of fundamental principles that can help you to stay disciplined as you build wealth. Gordon Gottsegen shared two important findings from a study of 100 years of stock-market data.

How about a software surge?

Through Thursday, the S&P 500 information technology sector XX:SP500.45 was up 3.1% for 2026, but the S&P 500 software industry group was down 16.5%, according to LSEG, reflecting investors' concerns that artificial-intelligence technology might make some software and associated services obsolete.

An interesting new twist is that Microsoft $(MSFT)$, which was down 23% for 2026 through March, was up 14% for April through Thursday.

Here is related coverage from the MarketWatch Technology team:

-- A bullish indicator for software stocks just flashed. Why a true comeback could be in the cards.

-- Microsoft's stock sees its best four-day stretch in six years - with an extreme bounce

Get your papers together

In the Fix My Portfolio column, Beth Pinsker provides advice about retirement investing and tax-management strategies. This week she shared practical advice that any adult should follow: Show your love for your family by having these documents prepared.

Switching to spousal Social Security benefits

Couples should plan together for when each will apply for Social Security benefits. There are different sets of rules, depending on each person's age and career status.

Alessandra Malito writes the Help Me Retire column, in which she digs deeply to assist MarketWatch readers navigating complicated sets of rules on retirement planning, taxes and government benefits. She also offers strategies to make retirement nest eggs last.

This week she was asked for advice by a 60-year-old man whose wife is 62 and has already filed to receive Social Security payments. The man is considering retiring when he turns 62 or maybe 65, at which time he believes his wife would be better off receiving spousal Social Security benefits. Can she switch after he claims Social Security? Here is the answer, which incorporates more planning than the couple may have realized.

Don't be afraid to negotiate

Don't Short Yourself - MarketWatch's new weekly newsletter - offers smart tips to help you earn and grow your money.

In this week's Don't Short Yourself newsletter, Beth Pinsker shared her experience negotiating lower university tuition costs for her children, along with additional tips on how to pay for higher education.

The trust, the (alleged) criminal and the Moneyist

Quentin Fottrell is the Moneyist.

There is always something to learn from Quentin Fottrell, the Moneyist.

This week he helped a reader who manages a trust left for a sibling by their mother. The sibling is facing serious charges of financial crime. Is the trust at risk?

More from the Moneyist:

-- 'We keep our finances separate': My boyfriend is in his 50s with no retirement savings - how worried should I be?

-- 'I hope to retire at 59': I have $950,000 in my 401(k)s. When do I do a Roth conversion?

-- I gave my friend's daughter cash for her wedding. I did not receive a thank-you card. Do I say something?

The World Cup winner will be ...

Time to go Dutch?

The World Cup will begin on June 11, and the host countries are the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Brett Arends had a ball sharing some fascinating information with soccer fans and people who like to bet on sporting events. Joachim Klement has used mathematical models to predict the last three World Cup winners. Even though Klement has made clear that this forecasting is not something he takes very seriously, his success in this area has been no mean feat, as fans of favored teams can attest. There have been many surprises in the late rounds over the decades.

Here is Klement's prediction for the 2026 World Cup Winner, including his warning to gamblers.

Want more from MarketWatch? Sign up for this and other newsletters to get the latest news and advice on personal finance and investing.

-Philip van Doorn

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 17, 2026 13:11 ET (17:11 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.