Despite COVID cases continuing to be a problem, investors’ sentiment remained positive in the US, as economic data continues its strong rebound from the dismal figures reported in the first 2 quarters. Despite the reduction in unemployment benefits, the US registered an increase in retail sales and a sharp rise in existing home sales (+25% month-over-month), supported by (near) record low mortgage rates in the country. In the meantime, further stimulus to the economy are still being discussed, but the early signs of recovery are a welcomed development.
Outside the US spectrum, the FTSE 100 rose by a modest 1.1% in the month, continuing to underperform in 2020. Despite good numbers coming out of the UK, regarding manufacturing and services figures, and a good prospect of a strong recovery in Q3, the country’s main stock index is still lagging in comparison to its peers, and it has become apparent that, unsurprisingly, investors are largely in “wait and see mode” as Brexit becomes closer and closer to its final deadline and there are still many significant topics to be agreed upon with the EU. More recently, there has been increasingly more rumours regarding a “no-deal” Brexit and as these should intensify as we get near the finish line, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see more volatility coming from the UK, in the coming weeks.
Overall this is how the major stock markets performed in August and year-to-date:
Taking action
Periods of extreme uncertainty are undoubtedly unsettling. Yet if you’ve no immediate need for your spare cash, and some set aside for emergencies, investing for your long-term future may provide a focus. At a time of worldwide turmoil, this could give you some sense of control over your long-term financial future. For clients with existing portfolios, now can be a very good time to review the risk strategy and weighting of the portfolio.
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