Down corporate reports shake investors

By: Gerry Sparrow

Q2 Corporate Reports Start

Last week began with some positive momentum, but after Tuesday’s close, two influential tech companies reported disappointing Q2 numbers, which soured sentiment. On Wednesday, the S&P dropped 2 percent, and the Nasdaq fell more than 3 percent.

Stocks attempted to rebound on Thursday on news that gross domestic product grew much faster than expected in Q2, but sellers swooped in near the close.3

Stocks rallied broadly on Friday after a positive inflation report. The personal consumption expenditures index, widely considered the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, showed only a slight uptick in June—in line with expectations.4

Watch the Rotation

July 26 saw the end of the third consecutive week in which the Dow led the other two averages and its fourth straight week of gains.

At the same time, the S&P and Nasdaq have been under pressure, with both posting losses for the second consecutive week.

So far in July, the Dow is up nearly 4 percent, the S&P is down slightly, and the Nasdaq is off by over 2 percent. That’s a marked change from earlier in the year when the Nasdaq led.5

Footnotes and Sources


3. The Wall Street Journal, July 25, 2024

4. CNBC.com, July 26, 2024

5. The Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Roman+Samborskyi

Via SHUTTERSTOCK

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.

The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. 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. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

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.

Please consult your financial professional for additional information.

This 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 is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

Important Risk Information

If the adviser’s perceptions of a company’s growth potential are wrong, the securities purchased may not perform as expected, reducing the Fund’s return. Investments in small and midcap companies generally have greater risk and volatility. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. The fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing.