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Following a horrendous final three months of 2018 and the first yearly declines since 2008, equity markets bucked bad headlines to record all-time highs in 2019, offering ample proof that stocks love to climb a “wall of worry.” Negative news was everywhere, from an inverted yield curve and a manufacturing slowdown that seemingly signaled recession, to a trade war with China and an impeachment inquiry in Washington. Through it all, however, the economy continued to grow, interest rates remained at historically low levels, and the Federal Reserve cut rates for the first time in ten years, providing a potent mix for market gains. The ride higher for stocks has not been without occasional selloffs, which provide opportunities for enterprising investors. Election years tend to be positive ones for stocks, but not always. When the tech bubble burst two decades ago the S&P 500 lost 9% in 2000, and went on to lose another 12% in 2001, and 22% in 2002. Picking stocks for your portfolio du