Wall Street had a rather calm summer. Will volatility increase before and after Election Day?
So far, the market is performing roughly in line with historical patterns. In 19 of the prior 22 presidential election years, Standard & Poor's 500-stock index advanced from June through October. The median gain for the index during that five-month period: 4.1%.
During those 22 election years, the S&P averaged a gain of 1.5% in June, 1.9% in July and 3.0% in August. This year, the S&P rose 0.1% in June and rallied 3.6% in July. It was up ever so slightly for the month of August, a gain that represented its sixth straight monthly advance. Everything's good—so far.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
In past election years, July and August have been the most volatile months. The yearly standard deviation for the S&P averaged 18.6% during the past 22 election years, but volatility averaged 28.8% in July and 30.3% in August of those 22 years. July and August were relatively calm this election year, but September not so much.
Whoever wins the election, the status quo will likely remain on Capitol Hill. As a Morgan Stanley report commented in July, "Current evidence suggests the U.S. elections in November won't yield outcomes that substantially change market fundamentals." Morgan Stanley analysts foresee Clinton winning the election and Republicans retaining their majority in the House of Representatives. In that scenario, Clinton wins, but her administration has difficulty enacting any of its planned reforms.
The Smart Money
If the Republicans lose control of the House, the Democrats win the Senate or Trump wins, Wall Street could see some pronounced short-term volatility, which is also an outcome that could possibly affect market fundamentals. Possibly. But frankly, none of the aforementioned outcomes is considered likely at this point by the general consensus also known as the market. Even if one candidate or the other wins by a landslide, their most ambitious proposals may never get off the ground. As Morgan Stanley asserts, "attempts by Clinton or Trump to exercise transformative power domestically will be stunted" by a lack of support in Congress.
Should stocks rollercoaster before or after Election Day, keep calm. Any disturbance may be short-term, and your investing and retirement saving effort is decidedly long-term. The election is a big event, but earnings, central bank monetary policy and macroeconomic factors may have a much bigger impact on the markets this fall.
Greg O'Donnell's mission over the course of three decades has been to guide people to pursue and maintain a healthy financial life plan that accomplishes their goals.
Investment advice offered through O'Donnell Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory assets may be custodied at TD Ameritrade. Insurance Services offered Gregory C. O'Donnell, CA Insurance #0B87978. Mortgage Services are provided through American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate #01215943, NMLS #1850. Gregory C. O'Donnell licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate #00971579, NMLS #298004. O'Donnell Financial Group Inc. and O'Donnell Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with Securities America, TD Ameritrade, or American Pacific Mortgage Corporation. Registered to offer securities in: AR, AZ, CA, FL, HI, MO, NC, NV, NY, OR, TN, TX and WA.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment<.
-
What About Those ‘Guaranteed’ Life Insurance Ads?Guaranteed life insurance policies can sound tempting if you've been declined for insurance elsewhere. Here are four downsides and one alternative.
-
13 Answers to Pressing Social Security QuestionsFrom smart claiming strategies for couples to tips on maximizing your monthly check, we have advice that can help you.
-
Eight Tips From a Financial Caddie: How to Keep Your Retirement on the FairwayThink of your financial adviser as a golf caddie — giving you the advice you need to nail the retirement course, avoiding financial bunkers and bogeys.
-
Just Sold Your Business? Avoid These Five Hasty MovesIf you've exited your business, financial advice is likely to be flooding in from all quarters. But wait until the dust settles before making any big moves.
-
You Were Planning to Retire This Year: Should You Go Ahead?If the economic climate is making you doubt whether you should retire this year, these three questions will help you make up your mind.
-
Are You Owed Money Thanks to the SSFA? You Might Need to Do Something to Get ItThe Social Security Fairness Act removed restrictions on benefits for people with government pensions. If you're one of them, don't leave money on the table. Here's how you can be proactive in claiming what you're due.
-
From Wills to Wishes: An Expert Guide to Your Estate Planning PlaybookConsider supplementing your traditional legal documents with this essential road map to guide your loved ones through the emotional and logistical details that will follow your loss.
-
Your Home + Your IRA = Your Long-Term Care SolutionIf you're worried that long-term care costs will drain your retirement savings, consider a personalized retirement plan that could solve your problem.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Retirees Should Never Do These Four Things in a RecessionRecessions are scary business, especially for retirees. They can scare even the most prepared folks into making bad moves — like these.
-
A Retirement Planner's Advice for Taking the Guesswork Out of Income PlanningOnce you've saved for retirement, you'll need your nest egg to support you for as many as 30 years. For that, you need a clear income strategy, not guesswork.
