Stock Market Quarterly Update - July through September 2021
- October 1, 2021
Overall, the third quarter was a roller-coaster ride for the market. The Dow, the Russell 2000, the Nasdaq, and the Global Dow lost value, while the S&P 500 was able to eke out a quarterly gain. Treasury yields, the dollar, and crude oil prices ended the third quarter higher, while gold prices dipped lower. Financials, information technology, communication services, and health care ended the quarter in the black. Energy, industrials, and materials fell by at least 4.5%. Despite the downturns, the benchmark indexes remain well ahead of their 2020 closing values, led by the S&P 500, which ended the quarter nearly 15.0% over last year's pace. The yield on 10-year Treasuries fell 30 basis points. Crude oil prices increased $14.17 per barrel, or 24.0%, in the third quarter. The dollar lost nearly 1.0%, while gold prices advanced 3.6%. The national average retail price for regular gasoline was $3.175 per gallon on September 27, up from the August 30 price of $3.139 and higher than the June 28 price of $3.091.
Following a strong July and August, September saw the market struggle with volatility. Traders had other concerns to deal with, including slowing economic growth, elevated inflation, supply-chain disruptions, a global energy crunch, and China's regulatory restrictions. In addition, investors are facing the prospects of the Federal Reserve beginning to wind down its stimulus measures.
SPENCER NURSE
Title:FINANCIAL ADVISOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR-INVESTMENTS
The Nurse Team has more than 50 years of combined experience in financial planning strategies. As of May 2021, the Team manages over $200 million in client assets. The team focuses on risk-adjusted investment management when assisting clients in addressing their retirement, educational, and philanthropic goals. Spencer and his team take direct responsibility of investment management for client portfolios. In the evolving markets and changes in clients’ lives, the team focuses on creating value based strategies that are tailored to client’s specific situation at various stages in life.