Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 
 
Blog Home
Bob Carey
Chief Market Strategist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 

  Trump Rally vs. Trump Tariffs vs. Trump Bear Market
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
View from the Observation Deck  

  1. With respect to the stock market, perhaps three of the most defining dates for the Trump administration in its first term have been election day (11/8/16), the day the first round of tariffs on imported steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) were launched (3/8/18) and the day the S&P 500 Index peaked following an impressive 10-year, 11-month bull market run (2/19/20), in our opinion. 
  2. As we are witnessing on a daily basis, the negative toll on the global economy and securities markets from the escalation and spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is substantial. 
  3. The U.S. dollar, which can be a safe-haven destination for foreign investors, didn't strengthen under the Trump administration until the tariffs commenced on 3/8/18. From 11/8/16 through 03/8/18, the U.S. dollar declined by 7.85%, as measured by the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), according to Bloomberg. From 3/8/18 through 3/18/20, however, the U.S. Dollar Index rose by 12.18%.
  4. The U.S. Dollar Index stood at a reading of 101.16 on 3/18/20, the highest it has been since March 2017, according to Bloomberg. Its historical average is 90 to 91. 
  5. The combination of the trade tariffs and COVID-19 have created some serious headwinds for stocks, as indicated in the table above.
  6. For comparative purposes, click here to see where total returns stood for the indices in the table above as of 1/10/20, prior to the 2/19/20 peak in the S&P 500 Index. 
 
This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. The illustration excludes the effects of taxes and brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred when investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The NASDAQ 100 Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and non-financial companies listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market based on market capitalization. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks U.S. stocks with a small market capitalization. The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index comprised of 500 stocks (currently 505) used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance. The S&P MidCap 400 Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the mid-range sector of the U.S. stock market. The MSCI World (ex U.S.) Index is a free-float weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) indicates the general international value of the dollar relative to a basket of major world currencies.

Download a PDF of this post, please click here.
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2020 @ 1:32 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
MARKET ANALYSIS
Market Commentary and Analysis
•Market Commentary Video
•Monthly Talking Points
•Quarterly Newsletter
•Market Observations
Subscribe To Receive Email
 


 PREVIOUS POSTS
• How Bonds Have Fared During The Sell-Off In Stocks
• Commodities Can’t Catch A Break
• How The S&P 500 Index Has Fared Since The Onset Of The Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• A Snapshot Of The U.S. Dollar
• A Global Snapshot Of Government Bond Yields
• The Climate For U.S. Crude Oil
• The Yield On The 10-year Treasury Note Just Revisited Its All-Time Low
• Keep An Eye On Gold, Silver And The Miners
• S&P 500 Index Earnings & Revenue Growth Rate Projections View
• A Snapshot Of Bond Valuations
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Expand 20242024
Expand 20232023
Expand 20222022
Expand 20212021
Expand 20202020
Expand 20192019
Expand 20182018
Expand 20172017
Expand 20162016
Expand 20152015
Expand 20142014
Expand 20132013
Expand 20122012
Expand 20112011

Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.