Market Review October 2018

October once again proved to be a difficult month for this aging bull market with the S&P 500 recording 16 down days throughout the month, equalling its worst month run since April 1970.

The recent decline has been partly sparked by a series of concerns ranging from slowing global growth, interest-rate hikes by the Federal Reserve to a U.S. economy that is in its 10th year of expansion.

The frequency of down days for the S&P 500 comes after prolonged spells of tranquillity in the US markets, which year to date, had managed to seemingly distancing itself from the market uncertainty that has took hold of the other global economies.

The bearish turn for the market wiped out year-to-date gains for the S&P 500 and created a significant level of uncertainty in the market despite a US economy that continues to show vitality.

The US was not the only region affected with Europe and Asia also seeing sharp declines as contagion risk extended the year to date declines in these regions.

As we left October behind, the US mid-terms took centre stage and in a widely-expected outcome, the midterm elections concluded with the Democrats gaining a majority in the House of Representatives, while the Republicans maintained control of the Senate.

With a cloud of uncertainty lifted and Trump indicating that he is willing to work with Democrats on policy initiatives, the initial reaction from markets has been largely positive, with the S&P 500 and MSCI world advancing approximately 1%. Tech stocks led the rebound as a divided Congress is likely to hamper Trump from going after tech giants like Amazon for being too big and influential on the economy.

Looking forward to the rest of the year, history shows that the markets react positively to a split congress with the S&P 500 averaging an annual return of 8.6% when Republicans control the White House and Democrats lead Congress.

Closer to home, Brexit uncertainty remains, with Ireland’s EU Commissioner announcing that a summit to finalise a Brexit deal is now unlikely to be held until December, pointing to further slipping in the negotiating timetable. Despite this, reports on Thursday afternoon suggested  a deal was now in the works and leaders were preparing for a summit in late November, possibly on the 25th day of the month.

In reviewing global economic indicators, the Global Purchasing Manager Index remains robust across all regions and forecasts of economic growth remain positive. While recent volatility can be unsettling and market sentiment is now more cautious these falls can also prove to be tremendous long term opportunities for investors, global share prices in some regions are now lookingextremely attractive on a historic pricing basis and with the global economy forecasted to continue its growth we are maintaining a similar stance on our current client portfolios. Please contact your adviser if you wish to discuss this in more detail.

Who are Vizion Wealth?

vw-portrait-blue-dark-grey-light-grey-ifa-and-wealth-final_edited-2Our approach to financial planning is simple, our clients are our number one priority and we ensure all our advice, strategies and services are tailored to the specific individual to best meet their longer term financial goals and aspirations. We understand that everyone is unique. We understand that wealth means different things to different people and each client will require a different strategy to build wealth, use and enjoy it during their lifetimes and to protect it for family and loved ones in the future.

All of us at Vizion Wealth are committed to our client’s financial success and would like to have an opportunity to review your individual wealth goals. To find out more, get in touch with us – we very much look forward to hearing from you.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this article is intended solely for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.  While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained on this article has been obtained from reliable sources, Vizion Wealth is not responsible for any errors or omissions. In no event will Vizion Wealth be liable to the reader or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information provided in this article.

Posted by Jon Hill

Jon is the Investment Manager at Vizion Wealth as well as being a fully qualified paraplanner and Andrew's direct support. With over 6 years of investment management experience, Jon provides market overview and investment insight to the Vizion Wealth advisers. Jon is a fully qualified Investment Manager, as well as being a Diploma qualified financial planner with experience in various financial advisory and investment management support roles.

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