Skip to main content

Tag: cls

Weekly Update for the week ending December 13, 2024

Posted on by

How Economic Indicators Influence the Stock Market

Ever wonder how the broader economy ties into your investments? Economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment rates, and inflation serve as the heartbeat of the economy, giving us a window into its health and influencing stock market movements. Understanding these metrics can feel like unlocking a cheat code – helping you spot trends, anticipate changes, and make decisions with confidence. Let us explore these key indicators and their influence on your investments.

Weekly Update for the week ending December 6, 2024

Posted on by

December is here, bringing hope that this historically strong month for stocks will close out the year on a high note. 2024 has already seen indexes setting and breaking record highs, leaving investors eager for a festive flourish to finish the year. Historically, December has earned its reputation as a strong performer, thanks in part to the “Santa Claus rally.” This phenomenon often lifts markets during the last week of December and the first few trading days of January. While the rally is not guaranteed, several factors help explain why December tends to shine.

Weekly Update for the week ending October 11, 2024

Posted on by

Last week, I touched on why October has a bit of a reputation as a volatile month in the markets—historical crashes, rapid recoveries, and plenty of unpredictability. So, what should you expect for your portfolio this October? Let us take a look.

First off, volatility does not necessarily mean disaster. In fact, it can create opportunities, especially for long-term investors. If you see sharp drops in certain stocks or sectors, it could be a chance to add to your positions or get into new ones at discounted prices. But timing the market is tricky—so keep your long-term goals in mind (you have set some long-term goals, right?) rather than reacting emotionally to short-term swings.

Weekly Update for the week ending September 6, 2024

Posted on by

September has a long-standing reputation for being one of the worst and most turbulent months for the markets, often marked by increased volatility. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “September Effect.” This year appears to be no exception as investors try to gauge the Federal Reserve’s next moves based on the latest economic data. Historically, it has been the worst-performing month for the indexes. In fact, from 1950 to 2023, the S&P 500 (S&P) averaged a decline of about 0.5% in September, making it one of the few months where the index consistently posts negative returns.

Weekly Update for the week ending August 2, 2024

Posted on by

This past week, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced that it would keep the benchmark interest rate at 5.5%, a move that was widely expected. However, the Fed also hinted at the possibility of a rate cut in September, as inflation cools and the labour market shows signs of slowing. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) unanimously agreed to maintain the federal funds rate in the 5.25% to 5.5% range, where it has been for the past year.