Clarksville, TN – A steady drip of weak economic performance figures from around the globe combined with a grim assessment of near-term U.S. economic prospects pushed investor confidence over the edge Thursday. Some Asian and European markets lost as much as 5% of their value. U.S. markets dropped similarly during the day, although losses diminished somewhat as trading drew to a close.
For the record, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 391.01 points or 3.51% to finish the day at 10,733.80, while the broader S&P 500 dropped 37.2 points or 3.19%, to close at 1,129.56. The Nasdaq declined 82.52 points or 3.52% and closed at 2,455.67. This followed significant losses in all the indices in the previous trading session. It was the fourth consecutive day of domestic market losses.
News that the Federal Reserve had noted “significant downside risks” in the economy and coupled that observation with another suggesting “strains” in world financial markets in its statement Wednesday alarmed both domestic and foreign investors. Fears of a new global recession were evident when trading began in Asian markets, and there were no bright spots as markets opened and closed around the globe. Weak economic reports from China and Germany gave the sell-off added momentum.
When investors flee risk, the dollar tends to rise. as it did against the euro until the European Union’s currency rallied later in the day. Jittery investors, seeking safety, also jumped into U.S. Treasuries. The volume pushed down the benchmark 10-year note’s yield to a range not seen since the 1940s. As the bond market closed, the 10-year note showed a yield of just 1.72%.
In the midst of all this, two positive signals arrived. The Conference Board’s index of leading economic indicators in August moved up for the fourth consecutive month, and July data showed home prices increasing, also for the fourth straight month.
We are following the markets closely and will continue to do so. Remember, that while sell-offs like this are a matter of concern, it’s also important not to overreact. I’ll be happy to talk to you about risks in the current investment climate if you give me a call.
