This year investors have had to face a number of curve balls. Brexit, Federal Reserve rate hikes, the US election, and a slowing global economy have grabbed headlines throughout the year. Despite that noise (and legitimate concerns) it's important to remember a couple of variables that can often move stocks higher (or lower): earnings, and earnings expectations.
Surprise!
Markets were remarkably sanguine following the election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States.
Markets hate uncertainty – and that may create opportunities.
Last week, investors experienced another bout of election jitters, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) Index fell for the ninth straight session.
It’s almost over…
As the election approaches it appears investors' concern mounts with every twist and turn of the presidential race. It seems this nervousness is driven by the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of not only the presidential race but the House and Senate races as well.
‘Tis the season!
Third quarter earnings season, that is.
Every quarter, companies report earnings to let investors know how profitable the companies were during the quarter. When profits grow, a company’s share price may move higher. When profits decline, a company’s share price may move lower.
Was it good news or wasn’t it?
The U.S. unemployment rate ticked higher last week. The September jobs report showed the United States added 156,000 new jobs in September. That was 16,000 fewer than economists were expecting and 11,000 fewer than were added in August, according to Barron’s.
Markets were relatively calm during the third quarter of 2016, yet they delivered some attractive returns overall.
The Federal Reserve (or more simply, “The Fed”) is the central bank of the United States. The Fed’s stated purpose is to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. That’s a lot to think about.
As expected…
The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged last week and markets celebrated. Across the globe, national stock market indices finished the week higher. In the United States, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and NASDAQ gained more than 1 percent.
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