COVID-19 Trends Weaken the Case for Investing in Europe

Economic Blog

In recent months, we have warmed up to Europe as a destination for equity investments in global portfolios. Through July, Europe had done a relatively good job containing the first wave of COVID-19, and cases were plummeting to multi-month lows. Meanwhile, the United States was struggling with its second wave—or perhaps the second phase of the first wave—and was seeing cases surge in July despite the warm summer weather. Continue reading

Market Update: Thu, Sept 24, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

Daily Insights

Stocks attempt to regain footing after Wednesday’s losses. Stocks are little changed at the open this morning after the S&P 500 Index tumbled 2.4% Wednesday, bringing its decline since September 2 to 9.6%, due in part to the Federal Reserve’s cautious economic commentary. Rising coronavirus cases in Europe and the United States, dimming hopes of another stimulus package, and election uncertainty continue to weigh on sentiment during a challenging seasonal period for stocks. Global markets are mostly lower with losses in Europe in midday trading, while Asian markets closed broadly lower. Continue reading

6 Months From the Low

Market Blog

On March 23, 2020, the S&P 500 Index closed down 2.9% for the day, bringing its total loss from its all-time high to 33.9%. The index was in the midst of its fastest bear market ever. A day earlier, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had ordered the statewide closure of all non-essential businesses in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, following California’s example and kickstarting a wave of similar lockdowns across states that would ultimately bring the unemployment rate to more than 14%. Continue reading

Market Update: Wed, Sept 23, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

Daily Insights

Markets rebounded Tuesday. A tumultuous September for equities caused bargain hunters to take advantage of oversold conditions Tuesday, snapping a four-day losing streak for the S&P 500 Index. House Democrats and the White House reached a tentative deal to avoid a Government shutdown, but a stimulus plan may still be a long ways off. European stocks are firmly higher in afternoon trading, while Asian markets finished overnight mixed. Continue reading

Market Update: Tue, Sept 22, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

Daily Insights

S&P 500 extends sell-off. Despite a strong rally in the final hour of trading, the S&P 500 Index extended its recent sell-off to open the week. As of Monday’s close, the index is now a little over 8% off its September 2 all-time high. Lack of progress on stimulus talks, a global rise in COVID-19 cases, and potential increased election jitters have been among the catalysts for the sell-off. Continue reading

Market Update: Mon, Sept 21, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

Daily Insights

Pullback continues. Stocks opened lower this morning as the S&P 500 Index attempts to break its three-week losing streak that has left it more than 7% below its September 2 high. Political uncertainty following Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s death has ratcheted higher and may be adding volatility on top of existing concerns about COVID-19, stimulus, US-China tensions, and tech stock valuations. European stocks were solidly lower, led down by banks. Hong Kong’s 2% loss paced broad losses in Asian markets overnight. Continue reading