Major indices advance after the news.
Wall Street quickly rallied. Some analysts feared the worst Wednesday morning, but a half-hour after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 28 points while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were barely in the red. By the end of the trading session, the Dow had gained over 250 points. Trump’s post-midnight victory speech, in which he commented that it was “time for America to bind the wounds of division” and to “come together as one united people,” may have had a steadying influence.1,2
How will the key U.S. indices behave going forward? That is the big question. Compared to the Brexit vote, the Trump victory was not a major market disruptor, despite pundit’s negative commentary. The S&P, Dow, and Nasdaq did not crater on November 9 and erase their year-to-date gains; will they maintain their equilibrium or even rally between now and 2017? Some of the early viewpoints are reassuring.
“We don’t see this election as having a lasting impact on markets. It will take some time for investors to consider the implications of a Trump presidency, and act accordingly. But there are sectors that might benefit,” Russell Investments multi-asset investment strategist Paul Eitelman noted to investors November 9.3
In the eyes of Edward Jones investment strategist Kate Warne, “Not much changes short-term except emotions and rhetoric. So dips are opportunities because fundamentals are positive and if Trump plans to spend more, the economy and stocks move higher next year, too. Stocks are very resilient.”3
Both houses of Congress will have Republican majorities as the Trump years begin. How has Wall Street reacted under similar circumstances? Rather well, though it is important to remember that history is just that, and not an indicator of future market performance.
Since 1928, the S&P 500 has averaged a 16.9% yearly price return in the two years following a presidential election when the White House and Congress were controlled by the same party. Keep in mind, however, that annual returns for the S&P have varied all the way from +34.1% to -38.5% in the past 25 years, influenced by macroeconomic factors as much as anything else.3,4,5
Regardless of how you feel about Trump’s victory, don’t act rashly. The fact that the sky did not fall on Wall Street following an unanticipated presidential election outcome illustrates the market’s strength. Political developments are but one of many factors influencing equity market performance. Stay patient through these changes, and resolve to ride out any resulting turbulence as you pursue your long-term savings and investment goals.
* On 11/9, at time of writing.
Citations.
1 – markets.wsj.com/us [11/9/16]
2 – nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-election-day/2016-election-results-polls-more-battle-white-house-n679936 [11/9/16]
3 – marketwatch.com/story/dow-futures-plunge-500-points-but-pare-losses-as-trump-closes-in-on-us-presidency-2016-11-09 [11/9/16]
4 – kiplinger.com/article/investing/T043-C008-S003-how-presidential-elections-affect-the-stock-market.html [2/16]
5 – ycharts.com/indicators/sandp_500_return_annual [11/9/16]
This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., for Mark Lund, Mark is known as a Wealth Advisor, The 401k Advisor, Investor Coach, The Financial Advisor, The Financial Planner and author of The Effective Investor. Mark offers investment advisory services through Stonecreek Wealth Advisors, Inc. an independent, fee-only, Registered Investment Advisor firm providing investment and retirement planning for individuals and 401k consulting for small businesses. Stonecreek is located in Salt Lake City, Murray City, West Jordan City, Sandy City, Draper City, South Jordan City, Provo City, Orem City, Lehi City, Highland City, Alpine City, and American Fork City in Utah.
