Volatility was back in full force last week. The three major domestic indexes posted several days of losses before experiencing wide swings on Friday. By week’s end, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), which investors use to help measure fear in the markets, had increased by approximately 70%. The VIX also reached its highest point since February.1
Despite a number of equities posting last-minute gains on Friday, all three domestic indexes had sizable losses for the week. In fact, they posted their worst weekly performance since March.2 The S&P 500 dropped 4.10%, the Dow declined 4.19%, and the NASDAQ gave back 3.74%.3 International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also lost ground, decreasing 3.96%.4
What drove market performance last week?
As is typically the case, a number of details affected investor sentiment and behavior. The following topics were among the perspectives impacting performance:
Rising interest rates:
In addition to the Fed’s interest rate increases, 10-year Treasury yields are on many investors’ minds. At one point last week, the 10-year reached its highest yields since 2011.5 As interest from banks and bonds rise, some investors exit the markets in search of more predictable returns. These moves can cause stock prices to drop.6 However, we want to remind you of what we wrote about last week: Rising rates may bring their own risks, but they are a sign that the economy is growing.7
Falling tech prices:
Technology companies have been the best market performers in 2018. However, the sector just experienced its worst weekly results since this spring.8 With this shift in industry performance, some market participants have begun searching for different ways to invest their money.9
Ongoing trade tension:
While many analysts believe interest rates and tech prices drove last week’s losses, some feel that our trade renegotiation with China is to blame.10 We do not yet know how this skirmish will resolve, but tariffs do have the possibility to slow economic growth and increase prices for consumers.11
These concerns and perspectives are important, but they do not give a complete understanding of our current economic conditions. Consumer sentiment remains high, and the latest corporate earnings season is likely to show strong, double-digit earnings growth for companies.12
We know that volatility can feel uncomfortable, but it is normal. In the past 38 years, the markets have averaged a 13.8% intra-year decline⎯yet 29 of those years had positive returns.13
As always, we are continuing to monitor economic fundamentals and investor perspectives to find a clear view of where we are today, and what may be ahead. If you have any questions, we are here for you.
In case you missed my latest radio show,
A GPS for your Finances on Sunday,
‘All about Corrections’:
Sources
INVESTING RISK DISCLOSURE
Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money. Before investing, consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Mahoney Asset Management for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
This web site has been prepared solely for informational purposes. It is not an offer to buy or sell any security; nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security.This site and the opinions and information therein are based on sources which we believe to be dependable, but we can not guarantee the accuracy of such information.
Representatives of a broker-dealer or investment adviser may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the broker-dealer or investment adviser they represent: (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, the state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from the state’s licenser requirements.
An investor may obtain information concerning a broker-dealer, an investment advisor, or a representative of a broker-dealer or an investment advisor, including their licenser status and disciplinary history, by contacting the investor’s state securities law administrator.
The financial calculator results shown represent analysis and estimates based on the assumptions you have provided, but they do not reflect all relevant elements of your personal situation. The actual effects of your financial decisions may vary significantly from these estimates–so these estimates should not be regarded as predictions, advice, or recommendations. Mahoney Asset Managment does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your own tax and legal advisors before taking any action that would have tax consequences.
SECURITIES: ARE NOT FDIC-INSURED/ARE NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE
This information is intended for use only by residents of CA, CT, DC, FL,, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and VA. Ken Mahoney may only conduct securities business with residents of the states and/or jurisdiction for which they are properly registered.
Securities offered through Newbridge Securities Corporation, member FINRA, SIPC.
Investment Advisory services through NFSG Corporation an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction: 1200 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 400, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Phone 954.334.3450 Fax 954.489.2390
Specific recommendations can only be based on review of a number of suitability factors including but not limited to the investors financial profile, investment objectives, risk tolerance and the investors review of appropriate offering documents. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. To help you make informed decisions, we provide you with essential disclosures, such as Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), the Client Relationship Summary (CRS), and Form ADV. Linked sites are strictly provided as a courtesy. Newbridge Securities, Inc. does not guarantee, approve nor endorse the information or products available at the sites, nor do links indicate any association with or endorsement of the linked sites by Newbridge Securities.
