The Markets Wild Swings
During this past trading week, volatility ruled Wall Street. In fact, stocks either fell or rose 1.5% or more on three consecutive trading days. That had happened only 54 times since 1928.(1)
What prompted these ups & downs? Several factors. The International Monetary Fund just cut its global and Asia growth forecasts for 2015 and stated that the eurozone could soon slide into another recession. European Central Bank president Mario Draghi wants easing to stimulate the eurozone economy, yet German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble doesn’t. The DAX and CAC 40 (the benchmark indices of Germany and France) have both corrected since spring.(2)
So has the Russell 2000, which wrapped up last week down 13% from its peak in early March. Oil entered a bear market Thursday. Finally, the end of the month will presumably see the end of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing effort – which has played a big role in the market’s bull run. The S&P 500 ended Friday down more than 5% from its September 18 record close, and Friday actually saw a rare 100-point drop for the Nasdaq Composite (102.10, to be precise).(2,3)
Where might things go from here? Stocks could fall further – keep in mind that the S&P has gone more than two years without a correction, definitely an abnormality. On the other hand, fall earnings seasons have tended to give stocks a lift throughout history, so let’s hope history repeats. Bespoke Investments cites some encouraging data: in instances where the market sees 1.5% or greater swings on three straight trading days, the S&P has averaged a gain of 0.55% on the next trading day and 1.13% during the following trading week.(1)
How big a drag will Europe continue to exert on the market? Agreement between EU finance ministers would give domestic and foreign stocks a lift. If that isn’t there, perhaps earnings – the “mother’s milk” of stocks – will help guide the market back to equilibrium and gains.(2)
Perhaps the wisest words came from Cornerstone Wealth Management CIO Alan Skrainka, who told USA TODAY Friday: “The market was overdue for a correction. Not every correction develops into a bear market. Every economic slowdown is not a recession. Look for opportunities and maintain a long-term perspective.”(3)
Eric C Hagen may be reached at 952-540-0153 or ehagen@nextfinancial.com.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Citations.
- tinyurl.com/k9nfbxc [10/10/14]
- bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-09/index-futures-slip-as-stocks-slump-while-oil-extends-drop.html [10/10/14]
- usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2014/10/10/stocks-friday/17022819/ [10/10/14]
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