Monthly Market Insights | December 2020
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U.S. Markets |
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Stock prices powered higher and emboldened investors in November thanks to a series of positive news events. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged much of the year, led the rally, jumping 11.84 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index tacked on 10.75 percent while the Nasdaq Composite rose 11.80 percent.1
All Eyes on the ElectionStocks opened the month strong, climbing throughout election week as bargain-hunting investors appeared to swoop in following a weak September and October. While the immediate outcome of the presidential election was undecided, the projected results suggested a divided Congress, which investors interpreted as a productive environment for businesses. Vaccine BoosterStocks climbed higher on news of positive stage-three COVID-19 trial results that suggested a highly effective vaccine may be near at hand. Stocks that had been hurt by economic lockdowns surged on the news, while the stay-at-home stocks suffered steep declines. Bond yields and oil prices both moved higher on expectations of increased economic activity. Positive momentum carried the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 index, and the Russell 2000 to record-high levels, with the Dow closing above the 30,000 mark.2 Companies Report Solid QuarterWhile the U.S. election and progress on a coronavirus vaccine dominated the news cycle, companies in the S&P 500 reported solid earnings in the third quarter. As expected, the S&P 500 reported a year-over-year earnings of -6.3 percent. But when three hard-hit industries—energy, airlines, and hospitality—were excluded, earnings for S&P 500 companies grew by 4.3 percent.3 Sector ScorecardAll industry sectors moved higher in November, except Utilities, which fell 1.42 percent. The month saw strong gains in Communication Services (+7.34 percent), Consumer Discretionary (+5.49 percent), Consumer Staples (+3.95 percent), Energy (+34.54 percent), Financials (+17.50 percent), Health Care (+3.35 percent), Industrials (+14.74 percent), Materials (+12.50 percent), Real Estate (+5.96 percent), and Technology (+5.33 percent).4
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What Investors May Be Talking About in December |
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After such a powerful rally, investors may be asking themselves, "What’s next for stock prices?" Traders are expected to watch the trajectory of new COVID-19 infections and how they may influence economic activity over the coming weeks and months. Vaccine OptimismWhile investors recognize that there will be manufacturing and distribution challenges with approved vaccines, they may also be paying attention to when a vaccine may be available to the general public. |
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World Markets |
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Riding a global wave of optimism surrounding multiple COVID-19 vaccine trials, the MSCI-EAFE Index jumped 16.86 percent in November.5 European markets were broadly higher, with sharp gains in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. European markets appeared to look beyond the new lockdowns and obstacles that prevented the passage of a European Union recovery package.6 Markets in the Pacific Rim also had a solid month. Australia picked up 9.96 percent while Japan tacked on 15.04 percent.7
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Indicators |
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Gross Domestic Product (GDP)The second reading of GDP growth was unchanged from its initial estimate of up 33.1 percent on an annualized basis.8 EmploymentThe number of new jobs increased by 638,000 in October, which sent the unemployment rate lower by one percentage point to 6.9 percent.9 Retail SalesRetail sales rose 0.3 percent, making November the sixth-straight month of increased consumer spending.10 Industrial ProductionIndustrial output jumped 1.1 percent, although production remains below its pre-pandemic February level.11 HousingHousing starts increased by 4.9 percent, led by a 6.4 percent rise in single-family home starts.12 Existing home sales rose 4.3 percent in October, touching a 14-year high. Median prices also hit a new record high.13 New home sales dipped 0.3 percent, as declines in the West and South regions weighed on overall results.14 Consumer Price IndexThe prices of consumer goods remained unchanged. However, in the last 12 months, prices have increased by 1.2 percent.15 Durable Goods OrdersOrders of long-lasting goods rose by 1.3 percent, which was above consensus estimates. The gain was driven by defense-related purchases.16 |
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The Fed |
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On November 25, the Federal Open Market Committee released the minutes from its November meeting. The minutes showed that the Fed discussed plans to offer more definitive guidance about its purchases of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities by linking the purchase program to economic conditions.17 This new guidance may be introduced as early as their next meeting on December 15. The minutes also reflected the Committee’s concern about the lack of a new fiscal stimulus. However, the Fed also acknowledged a better-than-expected economic improvement in American households.17 By the Numbers: Winter Solstice |
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite, LLC, is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, or state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Any companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, timeframe, and risk tolerance. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, subject to revision without notice, and may not materialize. The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the Nasdaq stock market and considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology and growth companies. The Russell 1000 Index is an index that measures the performance of the highest-ranking 1,000 stocks in the Russell 3000 Index, which is comprised of 3,000 of the largest U.S. stocks. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark for the performance in major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility. The Hang Seng Index is a benchmark index for the blue-chip stocks traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The KOSPI is an index of all stocks traded on the Korean Stock Exchange. The Nikkei 225 is a stock market index for the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The SENSEX is a stock market index of 30 companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The Jakarta Composite Index is an index of all stocks that are traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The Bovespa Index tracks 50 stocks traded on the Sao Paulo Stock, Mercantile, & Futures Exchange. The IPC Index measures the companies listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The MERVAL tracks the performance of large companies based in Argentina. The ASX 200 Index is an index of stocks listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The DAX is a market index consisting of the 30 German companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The CAC 40 is a benchmark for the 40 most significant companies on the French Stock Market Exchange. The Dow Jones Russia Index measures the performance of leading Russian Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) that trade on the London Stock Exchange. The FTSE 100 Index is an index of the 100 companies with the highest market capitalization listed on the London Stock Exchange. Please consult your financial professional for additional information. Copyright 2020 FMG Suite. |
1. The Wall Street Journal, November 30, 2020
2. CNBC.com, November 23, 2020
3. FactSet Research, November 20, 2020
4. FactSet Research, November 30, 2020
5. MSCI.com, November 30, 2020
6. MSCI.com, November 30, 2020
7. MSCI.com, November 30, 2020
8. CNBC.com, November 25, 2020
9. The Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2020
10. The Wall Street Journal, November 17, 2020
11. The Wall Street Journal, November 17, 2020
12. MarketWatch.com, November 18, 2020
13. The Wall Street Journal, November 19, 2020
14. Reuters.com, November 25, 2020
15. The Wall Street Journal, November 12, 2020
16. MarketWatch.com, November 25, 2020
17. The Wall Street Journal, November 25, 2020
18. MentalFloss.com, December 20, 2018
19. MentalFloss.com, December 20, 2018
20. MentalFloss.com, December 20, 2018
21. Forbes.com, June 21, 2019
22. PopularMechanics.com, April 22, 2020
23. PopularMechanics.com, April 22, 2020
24. PopularMechanics.com, April 22, 2020
25. PopularMechanics.com, April 22, 2020
26. PopularMechanics.com, April 22, 2020
27. TheRoute-66.com, 2020