The Santa Claus Rally refers to a seasonal stock market trend where prices increase during the last five trading days of December and the first two of January. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged a 1.3% gain during this period, often seen as an indicator of market optimism. The rally is attributed to factors like holiday spending, investor sentiment, and year-end tax considerations. However, its absence has sometimes preceded market downturns. Investors use the rally to adjust portfolios, favouring both small and large-cap stocks. While historically consistent, the rally is not guaranteed, requiring thoughtful strategies and broader market awareness.
Read More »Investors Eye a Soft Landing After Fed’s Big Rate Cut, But Caution Remains
The Federal Reserve's recent 50-basis point rate cut has bolstered optimism for a "soft landing," pushing the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ to new highs. While the move has alleviated uncertainty, investors remain wary of potential economic risks, including a slowing labor market and lingering inflation concerns. Despite the positive market reaction, some experts warn that market volatility could resurface if inflation picks up or the labor market weakens further. With the Fed expected to announce more rate cuts later this year, all eyes are on the November meeting for clues on future economic policy.
Read More »US Banks Stocks Decline on Executive Comments – Is this a Good Time to Enter the Sector
U.S. banking stocks are underperforming, with a 6% drop in September 2024, compared to the S&P 500 remaining flat. Bank executives have issued warnings about lower-than-expected recoveries from investment banking and the effects of looming interest rate cuts. With U.S. banks trading at lower P/E ratios (11.7x for 2024 and 10.4x for 2025), analysts view the sector as potentially undervalued. Meanwhile, capital requirements have been scaled back, but pessimism has intensified after Berkshire Hathaway reduced its investment in Bank of America. This may offer an entry point into the sector for value investors.
Read More »Prepare & Prosper – Gold Equities Could Experience +1000% Returns Once Again! (+4K Views)
We are in the eye of the storm and when the other side of the vortex engulfs us gold and silver will increase considerably, their associated stocks will go up substantially and their warrants, where available, will escalate dramatically. With what has happened in the world of late and what will be unfolding in the next 5 years or so those few investors who fully understand the impact the current economic situation is going to have on future inflation, the USD, interest rates, the stock market, physical gold and silver and gold and silver stocks and warrants in particular are going to be in the unique position of being the benefactors of currently unimaginable returns and wealth. All they need do, as I like to say, is “Just prepare and prosper!” Words: 918
Read More »A Light-hearted Look At Our Financial World (+3K Views)
We often take things far too seriously when looking at the world of high finance, the global economy and the ins and outs of investing. Lighten up and relax. See the world for what it really is through the eyes (and words) of some individuals who can do just that.
Read More »The S&P 500, Dow & Nasdaq Indexes: What Are the Differences Between Each? (+2K Views)
Do you know how to use the different stock indexes? The Dow, NASDAQ and S&P 500 indexes are 3 of the best measurements of trading activity and give investors a clear picture of the overall health of the economy. Each represents a different type of index, calculated and tracked in their own way, reporting real time movements of stock price and market capitalization. I created this infographic to demonstrate the unique features of these indexes and how they can help you along in investing.
Read More »What Exactly Is the S&P 500?
What exactly is the S&P 500?...In this article, we will take a deeper dive into the S&P 500, explain what the stock market index is, provide a background, and review how the S&P 500 determines which stocks are included in the index.
Read More »Which Is A Better Investment Strategy For the Future – A S&P 500 Index Fund Or Individual Stocks?
Companies which spent years developing their brands can see their business disappear almost overnight. It’s like a black swan event except with industries not the economy. If you’re an investor, it might not be enough to just look at the competition. You need to look at how technology can destroy a business.
Read More »Substantial Drop In S&P 500 Quite Possible Soon – Here’s Why
There are patterns in markets and we can learn from past patterns in the S&P 500 Index. My assessment of the Index at this point in time suggests it would be wise to consider the possibility of a substantial S&P 500 Index drop in coming months. Here's why.
Read More »S&P 500 Likely To Decline A Further 10-30% Over The Next Year – Here’s Why
Over the last week, the S&P 500 has been decimated...and decades of financial data suggest that further downside is entirely likely...anywhere from 10-30% is over the next year. Here's why.
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