When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.”
The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market. In our August 16th blog “Is the Worst Behind Us?” we concluded it was too soon to tell.
The market rebound began in earnest when Federal Reserve Chairman Powell suggested at the July Fed meeting that the trajectory of interest rate hikes could ease later in 2022.
Market participants translated his words to mean that the Fed would complete its aggressive rate hiking campaign to curtail inflation sooner than initially projected.
The second quarter earnings season also helped propel the market higher this summer in part due to the widespread pessimism ahead of results.
Companies delivered stronger earnings than initially estimated, with 75% of companies reporting earnings above estimates despite intense cost pressures and continued supply chain disruptions.
As the rally intensified in mid-August, a parade of Fed officials gave interviews during which they made it clear that the Fed’s work to manage inflation was nowhere near complete.
At the end of August, Powell made it abundantly clear that the Fed’s path towards restoring price stability “will likely require maintaining a restrictive policy stance for some time.” Not surprisingly, stocks ended with a profound sell-off.
As the market closed out August weaker and begins the historically weak month of September, questions about whether the bear market has truly ended linger.
September data releases and the upcoming Fed meeting on September 20-21 could help provide important answers. Chairman Powell has reminded us many times that the Fed will be data dependent in making policy decisions.
Important Information
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
All data is provided as of September 7, 2022.
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities.
All index data from FactSet.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.
This Research material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
For a list of descriptions of the indexes and economic terms referenced, please visit our website at lplresearch.com/definitions.