The market struggled in December with all major indexes declining. After the initial bump in the week following the presidential election, investors turned their attention to economic issues again.
With the election behind us, the uncertainty which was a cloud over the markets for the last couple of months is removed. Now we need to look forward and evaluate how the policies of the new administration could impact the markets.
September has the reputation of being the worst stock market month of the year, however, the market held up better than usual this year. Major indexes notched new all-time highs.
After a sharp decline in early trading days, August finished strong.
July ended on a high note only to give gains back in the next three trading days. Analysts scrambled to explain the sharp turn around. Rather than one catalyst it is likely a combination of data and events.
Investors need to plan on continued inflation and high interest rates in the foreseeable future.