Stock Market Volatility and Its Lessons for Long-Term Investors

September 4, 2024

The sudden burst of stock market volatility in early August caught many by surprise, but what was equally surprising was how quickly it subsided. For investors, especially those focused on long-term growth, events like these can be unsettling. However, volatility is a natural part of the market cycle, and understanding how to navigate it can be key to achieving long-term success.

Volatility and Emotion: Preparing for the Inevitable

Volatility can often stir up fear among investors, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal occurrence in the market. As long-term investors, anticipating volatility can actually be a tool for success. Knowing that market fluctuations will happen allows investors to mentally prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies these events.

Instead of reacting to the daily headlines or market movements, a long-term investor stays focused on broader trends and goals. For instance, despite the market's initial drop in early August, a rally quickly followed, showcasing the resilience of the U.S. stock market.

Is a Pullback in the Cards?

While the risk of a market pullback always looms, the broader indexes, such as the S&P 500, have been on an extended upward trajectory. In 2023 alone, the S&P 500 posted a yearly return of 24.23% (26.44% with dividends), and as of August 28, 2024, the index saw a year-to-date return of 17.29%.

Given these substantial gains, a pullback might seem inevitable, but it’s important to remember that market corrections can happen quickly, as we just witnessed. Staying the course during these periods is essential for long-term investors.

Election Year Volatility

Election years are notorious for bringing additional volatility to the market, and historically, we are now entering the most volatile period of the year. While conventional wisdom might suggest that election years lead to heightened uncertainty, the data shows that the S&P 500 has averaged a 7% gain during U.S. presidential election years since 1952.

It’s important to note that major market disruptions, such as the 2008 financial crisis, were driven more by economic factors, like the subprime mortgage crisis, than by the election itself. Understanding the broader economic picture is crucial for investors during election years.

Pullbacks Can Create Opportunity

For those who are prepared, market volatility can offer unique opportunities. If you have additional capital sitting on the sidelines, a market pullback might provide a chance to buy assets at lower prices, which could benefit your portfolio in the long run.

Think back to the market crash during the 2008 election year or the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Those who remained calm and invested during these periods were able to reap significant rewards in the following years. It’s about maintaining a long-term perspective and resisting the urge to panic.

Diversification: A Cushion Against Volatility

Diversification remains one of the most reliable strategies for managing market volatility. Spreading investments across various asset classes can help cushion the impact of market swings. For example, industrials outperformed the tech sector at the end of August, while bond prices appreciated as yields dropped.

By maintaining a diversified portfolio, investors can ensure that they are well-positioned to weather volatility, no matter which sectors are in or out of favor.

A Final Thought

Long-term investing has historically outperformed short-term market trading. With careful planning and a focus on diversification, volatility can become an advantage rather than a threat. At Benson Wealth Management, we are always here to help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your financial strategy is aligned with your long-term goals.

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July Market Highlights: Tech and AI Drive Growth

July 10, 2024

June was a positive month for diversified, long-term equity investors, with the recent rally continuing amid hopes for rate cuts. Various economic data reports throughout the month indicated signs of easing inflation, supporting market optimism. Major Stock Indexes The stock market rally in June was driven by the technology and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. Tech & AI giant Nvidia played a significant role in propelling broader averages, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, higher. S&P 500: Increased by 3.47% Nasdaq 100: Rose by 6.18% Dow Jones Industrial Average: Went up by 1.12% Payroll Whopper The employment report for May, released in June, showed a surprising increase in job numbers, with 272,000 new jobs created, surpassing the estimated 190,000. This was a significant jump from the 175,000 jobs added in April. The primary job gains were in healthcare, government, and leisure and hospitality sectors. These trends signal a strong economy, although they also raise questions about the timing of potential interest rate cuts. Supportive U.S. Inflation Data June brought positive news for investors hopeful for rate cuts, with inflation-busting optimism in full swing. Consumer Price Index (CPI): May's month-over-month pricing showed no increase, with a 3.3% year-over-year increase, both below market expectations. The Core CPI rose by 0.2% compared to April, falling below the predicted 0.3%. The annual core CPI rate unexpectedly decreased to 3.4% from 3.6% in April. Producer Price Index (PPI): For May, the PPI for final demand fell by 0.2% on a monthly basis, contrary to expectations of a 0.1% increase. Core PPI remained unchanged in May and decreased to 2.3% year-over-year. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reacted positively to this softer inflation data, trading near all-time highs by the end of June. Fed Rate Decision & Outlook As anticipated, the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at its June policy meeting and hinted at a more aggressive stance on future rate policy. The Fed indicated that it is considering one rate cut in 2024. “We believe that policy is restrictive. And we believe that if you maintain policy at a restrictive level, you will eventually see a real weakening in the economy,” stated Powell. He also noted that while rate hikes are not ruled out, they are not the most likely scenario. Treasury Yields Treasury yields were slightly lower in June compared to May. The 10-year Treasury Note Yield closed the month near 4.342%, about 17.3 basis points lower than May’s closing level of 4.515%. This steady to slightly lower rate was welcome news for mortgage borrowing activity. The Takeaway June featured a continuation of the rally that began in November, driven by excitement surrounding AI, steadier interest rates, solid economic data, and a supportive Fed outlook. The market expects rate cuts beginning in September, contingent on further evidence that inflation has cooled sufficiently. If you have been considering your options in the financial markets or have ideas, feel free to reach out to Benson Wealth Management INC. We are always here as a resource for you.

June Market Review: Strong Performances and Key Developments

June 21, 2024

S&P 500: Rally Resumption The major U.S. equity market indexes resumed their impressive rallies in May, with the S&P 500 leading the charge. This broadest measure of the U.S. economy clawed back all of the consolidation from April and closed at a fresh monthly high. Marking six out of the last seven months in the green, the S&P 500 experienced its best May since 2009, adding 4.80%. Alongside this, the Nasdaq 100 rose by 6.28%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 2.30%. For long-term investors, these gains reinforce the robust health of the equity markets. Tech Leads the Way May was particularly strong for the technology sector, with major players such as Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta accounting for 76% of the S&P 500's gains. The information technology sector exhibited notable strength towards the end of the month, showcasing a solid earnings season. Among the S&P 500 sectors, the information technology sector reported the third highest earnings growth, led by companies like Nvidia Corp, Broadcom, Fair Isaac and Company, and Super Micro Computer. Fed Meeting: Impacts and Outlook The Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate unchanged at 5.25% - 5.50% during their May 1st meeting, as anticipated. The Fed's statement emphasized that reducing the target range would not be appropriate until there is greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent. Following the meeting, the S&P 500 experienced a slight dip but quickly recovered, as markets were buoyed by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s hint that a rate hike would not be the next move. This sentiment helped stabilize the markets as the month progressed. Earnings Surprises Attention shifted to Q1 earnings season after the Fed meeting catalyzed a low for the S&P 500 on May 1st. By May 31st, 98% of S&P 500 companies had reported their earnings, with 78% delivering a positive earnings per share (EPS) surprise and 61% reporting a positive revenue surprise. Companies like NVIDIA, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft were significant contributors to the overall earnings growth, providing a much-needed boost amidst ongoing inflation and high interest rates. Consumer Moods and Inflation Data Consumer sentiment showed mixed signals in May. According to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, sentiment dropped by about 13% compared to April, reflecting inflation concerns. However, subsequent consumer confidence data indicated an improvement, with the index rising to 102.0 from April's 97.5, surpassing the forecast of 96.0. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) data revealed a slight easing in consumer inflation for April, with a 0.3% increase from March and a 3.4% year-over-year increase. Encouragingly, the Core CPI showed a 3.6% year-over-year rise, the lowest since April 2021. The markets responded positively, with the S&P 500 reaching a record-high close on the day of the CPI data release. The Producer Price Index (PPI) data indicated a 0.5% rise in April, surpassing estimates, with services pricing contributing significantly. Despite initial unease, stock index futures remained nearly flat, but stocks rose following the CPI report, aligning with market expectations. Strong Labor Market Data The April employment data, released on May 3rd, showed an increase of 175,000 payrolls, below the estimated 240,000. Surprisingly, this was seen as positive, potentially strengthening the case for future rate cuts. The unemployment rate edged up to 3.9% from 3.8% in March, further fueling optimism for softer upcoming inflation data. Fed & the Future As of the end of May, there was a 99.9% probability that the Fed would leave rates unchanged at the June 12th meeting and a 14.5% chance of a rate cut at the July 31st meeting. The highest probability for a rate cut surrounds the September 18th meeting, with a 53.9% chance at the end of May. The Takeaway May featured a resumption of rallies for major stock indexes, solid corporate earnings, slightly lower interest rates, and varying economic data, all contributing to a favorable market environment. As June began, the S&P 500 was riding high on the momentum of a significant rally on the last day of May. Whether this signals more to come remains to be seen as the month unfolds. For more insights and personalized financial advice, consider reaching out to Benson Wealth Management INC. Our team is here to help you navigate the ever-changing financial landscape with confidence.

May Update: Earnings, Sticky Inflation Fuel Markets

May 7, 2024

April witnessed a pullback in major U.S. equity markets after a robust March, marked by escalating Treasury yields and a focus on corporate earnings alongside the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. Let’s dive into the financial developments of the past month and consider their broader implications. Market Movements: A Pause in the Rally Despite encountering headwinds, U.S. stock indices have rewarded investors handsomely in 2024. However, April served as a slight pause in the upward trajectory. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both snapped their five-month winning streaks, registering their first declines since last October. The S&P 500 decreased by 4.16%, the Nasdaq 100 by 4.46%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a 5.00% reduction. Inflation Continues to Stir Economic Waters Inflation remains a persistent concern, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) escalating to 0.4% month-over-month and 3.5% year-over-year in March, surpassing expectations. This uptick has kept inflation firmly in the spotlight, influencing market movements and investor sentiment. On the flip side, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for March provided a slight respite, showing a moderate 0.2% increase in wholesale prices, which was below the anticipated 0.3%. Federal Reserve Holds Steady In its May 1st meeting, the Federal Reserve opted to maintain interest rates at 5.25% - 5.50%. The central bank's cautious stance, aiming for a sustainable reduction in inflation towards the 2 percent target, suggests that rate cuts are not on the immediate horizon. This decision reflects ongoing concerns about inflationary pressures, despite the stabilizing economic indicators. Employment and the Economy: A Silver Lining? April’s labor market report was a mixed bag, with job additions totaling 175,000 against expectations of 240,000. This slowdown was greeted positively by markets, as it indicated a potential cooling of the economy, reviving hopes for future rate cuts. The slight uptick in the unemployment rate to 3.9% might be a precursor to more moderate inflation, providing a breather to policymakers. Cryptocurrency and Market Sentiments Cryptocurrency markets also felt the heat, with Bitcoin dipping below $60,000 amid broader market corrections and diminished expectations for a Fed rate cut. The shifting macroeconomic environment and rising interest rates have lessened the allure of cryptocurrencies as an investment class, evident from the capital outflows from major Bitcoin ETFs. Corporate Earnings: A Mixed Bag with Bright Spots The earnings landscape was particularly vibrant, with major tech giants like Alphabet and Microsoft surpassing expectations, buoyed by increased AI expenditures. Alphabet’s introduction of its first-ever dividend reflects a strong financial position and commitment to shareholder returns. However, not all was rosy, as Meta Platforms faced setbacks due to its AI spending, despite strong revenue growth. Looking Ahead: Navigating Macroeconomics and Corporate Performance As we navigate through contrasting dynamics of macroeconomic challenges and corporate earnings resilience, the focus remains on strategic investment in areas like AI, which continue to attract significant capital. The ongoing adjustments in interest rates and inflation will dictate market movements, making it crucial for investors to stay informed and agile. Benson Wealth Management remains dedicated to providing timely updates and strategic insights to help you navigate this complex environment. Should you have any questions about the current market landscape or wish to discuss tailored investment strategies, please feel free to reach out to us. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from our team as we continue to monitor these evolving financial trends.

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