The Independent Market Observer

Coronavirus Update: March 4, 2021 [Video]

Posted by Brad McMillan, CFA®, CFP®

Find me on:

This entry was posted on Mar 4, 2021 3:51:15 PM

and tagged Market Thoughts Videos

Leave a comment

Today, I'd like to provide an update on the coronavirus, including the economic and market implications. On the medical front, the stats have been getting better for the past two months, with case growth and hospitalizations down. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we are now at levels we saw at the peak of the second wave. And with some states starting to reopen and ending mandatory mask wearing, there are real things to worry about in the months ahead.

Turning to the economy, state reopenings, while they raise medical risks, help the job market and spending. Plus, the existing federal stimulus should support the economy, and business continues to move from strength to strength.

Indeed, economic recovery is largely what the markets have been expecting—but now they’re dealing with the problems of success. In fact, the prospect of inflation and higher interest rates is rattling the markets as we speak. So, should we expect more volatility as we navigate the transition back to normal? Watch my latest video to learn more.


Subscribe via Email

New call-to-action
Crash-Test Investing

Hot Topics



New Call-to-action

Conversations

Archives

see all

Subscribe


Disclosure

The information on this website is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based measurement of changes in stock market conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common stocks. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in an index.

The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far East) Index is a free float‐adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of 21 developed market country indices.

One basis point (bp) is equal to 1/100th of 1 percent, or 0.01 percent.

The VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) measures the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility across a wide range of S&P 500 options.

The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio divides the current share price of the index by its estimated future earnings.

Third-party links are provided to you as a courtesy. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided on these websites. Information on such sites, including third-party links contained within, should not be construed as an endorsement or adoption by Commonwealth of any kind. You should consult with a financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

Member FINRASIPC

Please review our Terms of Use

Commonwealth Financial Network®