December could be a good month for the stock market, but there's one big risk

In the coming week, investor focus will move more intently to the topic of trade, and that is what will make or break the rally at year-end.

"December is the best month of the year. The S&P is up 1.6 percent on average. It also has the highest frequency of advances, up 76% of the time," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA. December is also the least volatile month of all, but it could see some bumps. Stovall also looked at sector performance for December, going back to 1995 and found that the worst performing S&P sub-industry sectors were retail oriented, and are highly dependent on good holiday sales. On average, computer and electronics retailers were weakest, off 4.5%, followed by leisure products off 2.2% and department stores, off 0.9%. Specialty stores and apparel and luxury goods were also among the 10 poorest performers.

Stocks were on track Friday for their best monthly performance since June. The S&P 500 was up 3.6% and the Dow was up 3.7% for the month of November so far. Biotech was a top performer, helping lift the Russell 2000, which gained 4.3% in November. The IBBThe big risk to the market in December is the outcome of trade talks, but economic reports will be important as investors continue to assess whether the Fed was right in ending its rate cuts.

BernieSanders

The view of the world at CNBC is apparently limited to the trade relationship between America and China.

Best President everrrr

Yes, and like Frosty the snowman...those 'gains' are bound to melt away...:)

Just one?

WTF? Where are all the tourists taking pictures?

I'm still waiting on this economy to lower prices being that the stock market is so great, an the tax cut big business received. Another Republican lie.🤔

South Africa South Africa Latest News, South Africa South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

11 Stocks to Be Thankful for This ThanksgivingRoku’s shares have jumped 433%. Advanced Micro Devices is up more than 100%. Xerox Holdings, Coty, Target and Lam Research are also among the winners.
Source: MarketWatch - 🏆 3. / 97 Read more »

Asia stocks set to trade higher as tensions remain over Hong KongStocks in Asia were set to trade higher at the open on Friday as investors continue to watch for developments on U.S.-China trade following a recent escalation in tensions over Hong Kong. Economy meets humanity in a weird way trade deal optimism to infinity?
Source: CNBC - 🏆 12. / 72 Read more »

The Underground Way to Earn a 10% Yield in Oil StocksA group of companies that is amassing mineral rights beneath oil fields is paying out enticing dividends, with yields upward of 10%, even as shares of the companies drilling the wells are having a miserable year. While we’re watching trump.
Source: WSJ - 🏆 98. / 63 Read more »

European stocks worried over U.S.-China relations, but head for November gainEuropean stocks were set to close out the week and month of November with gains, but Friday’s session was marked by losses as investors fretted over signs of rising tensions between the U.S. and China.
Source: MarketWatch - 🏆 3. / 97 Read more »

Asia stocks set to trade higher following Wall Street recordsInvestors will watch for market reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump's signing into law a bill backing protesters in Hong Kong, according to a White House statement.
Source: CNBC - 🏆 12. / 72 Read more »

Stocks could see a pullback before riding higher into year end, strategists sayChances are good the stock market could hit a few bumps as December gets underway, but any pullback should be slight. which in today's terms is about 60 points on the $DJIA Why are your DOW numbers on TV lower than they are on Google? YOUR DOW NUMBERS ON TV ARE 50 POINTS LOWER THAN GOOGLE. WHAT'S UP?
Source: CNBC - 🏆 12. / 72 Read more »