With The S&P 500 Up 7.2% In 3Q18, What's Driving Stocks?
Published Friday, September 28, 2018 at: 7:00 AM EDT
As the third quarter of 2018 closed, the Standard Poor's 500 stock index — a barometer of the U.S. economy — closed the quarter at 2913.98 on Friday, as the unusually strong and long economic expansion powered stock prices to within 1% of its recently reached record high.
The S&P 500 rose 7.2% last quarter. It was the best quarter since the end of 2013, and the index was up about 9% since the start of the year.
Amid abnormal political polarization in the U.S., a crisis of trust in internet security, and nationalism rising worldwide while globalism was under attack, the bull market and economic boom recently turned nine years-old — the longest in U.S. history — raising worries about risk. What's driving stocks?
This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. Past performance is not an indicator of your future results.
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