The stock market in 2022 has seen large declines. At the center of this volatility has been the price of oil. Oil prices skyrocketed over 50% in 2021 and in the first week of March, leapt a staggering 25% in a single week (the week ended Friday, March 4th).
Global equity markets had a volatile fourth quarter, but when the final Wall Street-bell rang in the New Year, global markets recorded very decent numbers, as the good returns from the first and third month sandwiched a less than stellar second month.
We’ve all heard the saying that inflation is a hidden tax. But depending on which state you live in, it should simply be called a tax – because that’s what it is.
Global equity markets had a mixed third quarter, but when the final Wall Street-bell chimed on September 30th, global markets had not moved very much, despite the final month of the quarter turning in dismal results.
Global equity markets had a choppy second quarter, but when the final Wall Street-bell chimed on June 30th, global markets had turned in solid performance numbers on their way to new record highs.
The themes that drove the markets were positive economic data, talk of another stimulus package and the first COVID vaccines being distributed around the world. Yes, there was more election noise throughout the month, but that played less of a role versus the month before.