The stock market held up relatively well Thursday given that the major headlines gave bulls little to work with.
The most recent weekly unemployment report revealed a higher-than-expected 1.5 million new jobless claims, and continuing claims barely edged lower, to 20.54 million from 20.61 million a week earlier.
And on the COVID-19 front, investors have more to worry about than case spikes in the U.S., including in Florida, where scientists at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania said the state is showing "all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission." Beijing is experiencing a small but sudden outbreak that could threaten global economic activity.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The broader indices barely budged, however. The Dow shed 0.2% to 26,080. The small-cap Russell 2000 advanced by less than a point, while the S&P 500 picked up less than 2 points to 3,115. The Nasdaq, meanwhile, gained 0.3% to 9,943.
A few individual stocks logged more significant losses, however. Kroger (KR, -3.0%) dipped despite beating earnings expectations, possibly because it didn't update its full-year forecast. And biotech firm Biogen (BIIB, -7.5%) sank amid a federal court ruling invalidating a patent for its multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera.
It's increasingly clear that the coronavirus threat hasn't passed. That hardly means we're in for another 30% decline like we saw in February and March, but the market could lose some of its froth if outbreaks continue to worsen in the Sun Belt, which could put a damper on the pace of the economic recovery.
From an investing standpoint, this could further extend the market-share and stock-price gains of e-commerce companies, as well as put the spotlight back on health care companies developing COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.
Dividend investors looking to capitalize on the continuation of coronavirus-related sea changes, or at least shield themselves from more COVID-19 worries, can look to real estate … if they pick their spots wisely. While office and retail real estate continue to face a harsh environment regardless of whether the pandemic accelerates further, these nine real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide some insulation, as well as typically well-above-average yields.
-
The Most Popular Apps for Retirement Planning in 2025A J.D. Power survey ranks retirement planning apps based on customer service and satisfaction. Does your financial app make the cut?
-
Don't Disinherit Your Grandchildren: The Hidden Risks of Retirement Account Beneficiary FormsStandard retirement account beneficiary forms may not be flexible enough to ensure your money passes to family members according to your wishes. Naming a trust as the contingent beneficiary can help avoid these issues. Here's how.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Sherwin-Williams Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodaySherwin-Williams stock has clobbered the broader market by a wide margin for a long time.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into UnitedHealth Group Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayUNH stock was a massive market beater for ages — until it wasn't.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Berkshire Hathaway Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayBerkshire Hathaway is a long-time market beater, but the easy money in BRK.B has already been made.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Procter & Gamble Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayProcter & Gamble stock is a dependable dividend grower, but a disappointing long-term holding.
-
We Are Peter Lynch: How to Invest in What You KnowTake a look around, go to a free stock market data website, and get to work.
-
My Three-Day Rule for Investing: And If it Applies NowStock Market I've seen a lot in my career. Here's what I see now in the stock market.
-
Is It Time to Invest in Europe?Stock Market Europe is being shaken out of its lethargy, militarily and otherwise, by Donald Trump's changes in U.S. policy. Should investors start buying?
-
Why Is Warren Buffett Selling So Much Stock?Berkshire Hathaway is dumping equities, hoarding cash and making market participants nervous.
