August and September have historically been the worst months for investors, specifically as measured by S&P 500 data compiled by the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Since 1970, August has averaged an advance of just 0.13% (through 2024), the second-worst month, while September has...
Amid an onslaught of anxieties over tariffs, the economy, and geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, investors brushed aside worries and drove the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite to record closing highs on the final two trading days of June, according to data provided by MarketWatch.
Aggressive tariff policies triggered significant market volatility amid a sharp early April selloff, which was followed by a sharp rebound when the most severe tariffs were delayed.
Stocks began the month on a steep downward trajectory, experiencing losses reminiscent of the early pandemic lockdowns. However, by the end of the month, shares had managed to erase most of the early losses.
Last week was one of the most volatile I’ve seen in 18 years as a professional investment manager. As of today, major indices have experienced significant declines: the S&P 500 is down 13.9% year-to-date, the Nasdaq has fallen 19.2%, the Russell 2000 is off 18.8%.
Following the election, optimism surged amid the belief that the new president would follow through with plans to pare back regulations that stifle businesses and extend the tax cuts passed in 2017.