Tag: Record

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S&P 500 achieves longest winning streak in two decades – then slides

S&P 500 hits new record!

The S&P 500 has surged to a new record, marking nine consecutive days of gains – its longest winning streak since November 2004.

This run came after significant market falls after President Trump announced his tariffs on Liberation Day in April 2025.

The index closed 1.47% higher on the final day of the streak on Friday 2nd May 2025, reflecting investor optimism amid shifting global economic conditions.

This historic run comes as China and the U.S. signal the potential of renewed trade discussions, easing concerns over tariffs and supply chain disruptions.

Additionally, a strong U.S. jobs report has bolstered confidence, with employment figures exceeding expectations. The rally has been broad-based, with technology, financial, and industrial stocks leading the charge.

Despite the impressive streak, analysts warn of potential volatility ahead. While the S&P 500 has demonstrated resilience, market corrections often follow extended periods of gains.

S&P 500 all-time chart as of 5th May 2025 – 9-day consecutive run record

S&P 500 all-time chart as of 5th May 2025 – 9-day consecutive run record

Investors are now watching for signs of consolidation or further momentum and that is down to Trump’s tariffs and the Fed’s interest rate decision.

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Gold glitters to new highs above $2700

A bar of gold

Gold continues on its path to new highs touching $2740 on 21st October 2024

In 2024, gold experienced a surge of over 35%, reaching new record highs.

This increase was propelled by the anticipation of additional Federal Reserve rate reductions following a half-percentage-point cut in September 2024, coupled with persistent geopolitical uncertainties stretching from Europe to the Middle East.

Delegates at the London Bullion Market Association‘s annual meeting earlier this week predicted that gold prices could reach $2,941 per troy ounce in the next 12 months.

As investors continue to seek out a safe haven for their money, the price of gold will remain elevated.

Gold price one year chart – price snapshot as of: 21st October 2024 (08:52 BST)

Gold price one year chart – price snapshot as of: 21st October 2024 (08:52 BST)

Gold, which yields no interest in its own right, tends to gain in value when interest rates are cut and when geopolitical tensions heat up.

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China stocks drop after trade data disappoints Hang Seng falling 4%

China stocks drop

Chinese stocks declined on Tuesday 15th October 2024, contrasting with the broader gains in other Asia markets, which followed record highs reached by the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 on Wall Street

The CSI 300 index in Mainland China fell to close at 3,855.99, and the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong decreased by 3.67% to finish at 20,318.79.

After the markets closed on Monday 14th October 2024, China reported disappointing trade figures for September 2024, with exports increasing by only 2.4% from the previous year and imports rising a mere 0.3%, both significantly below expectations.

China CSI 300 index one-day chart

China CSI 300 index one-day chart as of 15th October 2024
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Nvidia hits new record high with new $3.4 trillion market cap

AI chips

Nvidia’s shares have reached a record peak as the company continues to benefit from the surging demand for its AI chips

Tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon are acquiring Nvidia’s GPUs in large volumes to create extensive AI computing clusters.

Nvidia, with a market capitalisation of around $3.4 trillion, ranks as the second most valuable publicly traded company in the U.S., trailing behind Apple, which has a market cap of approximately $3.55 trillion.

And to think… just 6 weeks ago Nvidia hit the news with this headline: Nvidia $279 billion market cap wipeout — the biggest in U.S. history for just ONE company.

Oh, the volatility of tech stocks, don’t you just love it?

The company’s stock rose by 2.4% to close at $138.07, exceeding the previous high of $135.58 set on 18th June 2023. The shares have increased by nearly 180% this year and have experienced a more than ninefold increase since early 2023.

Regarded as the leading supplier in the AI revolution, Nvidia has gained significantly from the generative AI surge initiated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT release in November 2022. Nvidia’s GPUs are instrumental in developing and running sophisticated AI models, including those that operate ChatGPT and related platforms.

You can’t go far wrong when big players such as Microsoft, Meta, Google and Amazon are buying your stuff.

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New records for Dow Jones and S&P 500

Record highs!

On Monday, 14th October 2024, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 both reached new record highs

The S&P 500 climbed to 5,859.85, and the Dow Jones, composed of 30 stocks, increased by 201.36 points to 43,065.22.

Both indices achieved all-time highs and closed at record levels, with the Dow Jones surpassing 43,000 for the first time at the close of the session.

Dow Jones Industrial Average one-year chart

Dow Jones Industrial Average one-year chart

S&P 500 one-year chart

S&P 500 one-year chart
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S&P 500 and Dow hit new all-time

All time high

Stocks broadly climbed for a second consecutive session on 9th October 2024 with Dow & S&P 500 reaching new record highs

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closing at record highs, buoyed by a surge in technology stocks and a dismissal of geopolitical worries.

The S&P 500 increased to 5792, marking a new all-time high, while the Nasdaq Composite rose to end at 18291. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 431 points to close at a record 42512.

Leading the rally were technology stocks, with Amazon and Apple each gaining over 1%. Super Micro Computer saw a significant 4% increase. The gains helped offset a rocky start to October, propelling the major indices into positive territory for the month.

Following the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s September meeting, which showed a 0.50% interest rate cut, stocks held onto their gains. The minutes indicated that a ‘substantial majority of participants‘ were in favour of the more significant rate reduction.

Record high reached for the S&P 500 on 9th October 2024

Record high reached for the S&P 500 on 9th October 2024

Record high reached for the Dow Jones on 9th October 2024

Record high reached for the Dow Jones on 9th October 2024

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Nasdaq and S&P 500 both hit new highs as markets close early for U.S. Independence Day!

U.S. Independence Day

The S&P 500 reached new heights in a shortened trading session on Wednesday 3rd July 2024, with investors seemingly dismissing lacklustre economic data.

The S&P 500 closed at a new high of 5537, while the Nasdaq Composite finished the session at 18188, buoyed by rallies in technology and AI stocks like Tesla and Nvidia. Both indices reached new all-time highs during the session and closed at record levels.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost just closed down at 39308.

Trading volume was subdued as the New York Stock Exchange closed early at 1 p.m. ET. The exchange will remain closed on Thursday 4th July 2024 for Independence Day celebrations.

S&P 500: One-year chart – index closed at a new record high

S&P 500 One-year chart closed at new record high

Nasdaq Composite: One-year chart closed at new record high

Nasdaq Composite: One-year chart closed at new record high
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S&P 500 closes above 5500 for the first time

S&P Bull run record

On 2nd July 2024, the S&P 500 reached a significant milestone, closing above 5500 for the first time in its history.

This impressive achievement has prolonged the blistering rally of 2024, during which the index has reached 32 record highs. Since July 2023, the S&P 500 index has surged by more than 1000 points.

The rise in U.S. equities has been propelled by robust corporate earnings, the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, and the anticipation of interest rate reductions. Although some analysts warn that the market might be stretched too far, others are forecasting additional increases.

Many analysts have now raised their target for the S&P 500 to end the year at around 5700.

One year S&P 500 chart July 2023 to July 2024

One year S&P 500 chart July 2023 to July 2024
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Nasdaq Composite Index hits a new all-time high on Monday 20th May 2024

Nasdaq all-time high

The Nasdaq is a stock market index predominantly comprising technology and internet-related companies. Investors and traders closely monitor its performance as it serves as a barometer for the technological sector’s robustness and the general market mood.

Nasdaq all-time high

The Nasdaq Composite surpassed its previous highest value, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Contributing factors

Tech success

The surge was propelled by robust performances from leading tech companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet (Google).

Economic optimism

Positive economic data, the lingering promise of interest rate cuts, and optimism about future growth contributed to investor confidence.

Market sentiment

The all-time high indicates a positive sentiment in the stock market; however, it is crucial to keep an eye on current trends and potential corrections.

Note

Keep in mind that stock markets are subject to volatility, with prices capable of swift fluctuations. It’s crucial for investors to proceed with caution and take into account their individual risk tolerance before making any investment choices.

If in doubt – do nowt!

RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!

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FTSE 100 in record territory

The FTSE 100 soared past 8300, reaching a new record high amid busy trading as London markets reopened after the bank holiday.

A catch-up trading session is evident, with mainland-listed stocks having a robust session on Monday 7th May 2024 and continuing to rise. The FTSE reached around 8335 in intraday trading.

Wall Street also experienced another positive session, with the Dow Jones climbing for the fourth consecutive day following the Federal Reserve’s less aggressive stance, and the S&P 500 gaining too. Despite mixed results, earnings have bolstered risk appetite. The low U.S. job count has encouraged traders/investors to take heart that rate cuts will be on the agenda again soon, even if they are now late.

Bank of England

Attention will now turn to the Bank of England (BoE), which faces a decision on whether to guide the market towards a rate cut – the first in four years – or to exercise more patience. The consensus is that it’s premature for a cut this week, with August 2024 being the more likely date, although the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) opinions vary.

Last month the Deputy Governor of the BoE, indicated his readiness to vote for a rate cut with little additional evidence of declining inflation, highlighting the ‘downside risks’ to the BoE’s February inflation forecast. In contrast, the Bank of England’s Chief Economist, expressed a more cautious stance in April regarding the initiation of rate cuts.

Inflation

Inflation is on a downward trajectory, expected to return to 2% in the next few months. CPI decreased from 3.4% to 3.2% between February and March 2024, and core inflation dropped from 4.5% to 4.2%. However, the BoE is likely to await April’s data before taking any decision.

Persistent wage growth of around 6% indicates continued strength in the labour market. Financial markets anticipate a Bank of England rate cut by August 2024, but it is believed the BoE may be prepared to act as early as June 2024, aligning with the anticipated policy move by the ECB.

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FTSE 100 closes at new all-time high

FTSE 100 Index

The UK FTSE 100 stock index has reached a new record closing price on Monday 22nd April 2024

The new all-time high was likely propelled by a weakening pound and reduced tensions in the Middle East. The FTSE 100 has been the laggard for many months.

The index concluded Monday at 8023 points, setting a new record and eclipsing its previous peak of 8012 from February of the preceding year.

At the close, it had risen by 1.62%, with retailers such as, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S and Ocado being among the top gainers of the day.

The shares have gained from the depreciating pound since the London Stock Exchange index includes numerous companies with significant international operations.

A depreciated pound lowers the cost of exported goods for overseas buyers and boosts the value of international business transactions.

Update

On Tuesday morning 23rd April 2024 the FTSE 100 climbed to a new intraday high of: 8080

FTSE 100 5 day chart showing the intraday high of Tuesday morning 23rd April 2024
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Gold is at an all-time high and recently crossed $2400 – is it now vulnerable to a pullback?

Gold all-time high!

Gold at all-time high above $2,400

Technical analysis indicates that the risk trends towards the upside, with indicators showing overbought conditions and prices rising above moving averages.

However, it’s crucial to remember that markets are subject to change and can be affected by various factors, including geopolitical risks and economic data.

Recent figures indicate that the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) increased less than anticipated, which may influence monetary policy decisions and, as a result, the price of gold. Furthermore, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) choice to keep its monetary policy unchanged could lead to a rate reduction next summer, potentially affecting gold prices as well.

Although the present technical perspective suggests a possible continued rise, market fluctuations can occur due to unexpected events or changes in investor sentiment. Consequently, while gold may not face an immediate decline, it is advisable for investors to remain informed and take into account both technical and fundamental aspects when evaluating market trends.

Gold price one month chart

Gold price one month chart
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Japan’s Nikkei hits another new record

Nikkei index up

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index briefly surpassed 41000, reaching a new all-time high on Friday 22nd March 2024, as the nation’s inflation rate reportedly accelerated in February 2024. Other Asia-Pacific markets experienced declines.

The headline inflation rate in Japan for February 2024 was reported at 2.8%, an increase from the 2.2% recorded in January 2024. The core inflation rate, which excludes the cost of fresh food, also rose to 2.8% from the 2% reported the previous month.

In its monetary policy statement, the Bank of Japan (BoJ)stated that it aims to achieve the price stability target of 2% in a sustainable and stable manner.

The Nikkei retreated to close just below 41000, ending up at 40888

The Nikkei retreated to close just below 41000, ending up at 40888
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Nikkei breaks new ground hitting new all-time high!

New record high!

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index hit a new all-time high on Monday 26th February 2024. In contrast China markets slipped after a nine-day winning streak.

The Nikkei 225 ended 0.4% higher at 39233 comfortably above its previous closing record of 39,098.68. The index breached its 1989 all-time high of 38915 on Thursday 22nd February 2024.

Nikkei 225 hit new all-time high Monday 26th February 2024 – one year chart

Nikkei 225 hit new all-time high Monday 26th February 2024
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Dow hits new record high breaching 38000 for the first time ever

Dow Jones index up

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) reached a new high on 22nd January 2024, closing at 38,001.81 points

One year chart for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) reached a new high on 22nd January 2024, closing at 38,001.81 points

The index reached 38109.20 points in intraday trading. Recently the S&P500 and the Nasdaq set new highs.

The Dow

The Dow Jones is a market index that tracks the performance of 30 large US companies. It is also known as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or simply ‘the Dow’.

The DJIA is one of the oldest and most widely followed stock market indicators in the world. It reflects the health and sentiment of the U.S. economy and business sector.

The index was created in 1896 by Charles Dow and Edward Jones, who were journalists at The Wall Street Journal. The first calculation was done on 30th June 1896, with a base value of 40.

Some 128 years later, the index has a value of 38001 – a record high!

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Nasdaq 100 hits new record high 19th January 2024

Chart up

The Nasdaq 100 climbed to a new high of: 17314 on 19th January 2024

Nasdaq 100 hits new record high 19th January 2024

The NASDAQ 100 Index is a widely used benchmark for the performance of the technology sector in the U.S. market. 

It consists of 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Some of the top components of the index are Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Amazon.com Inc., Alphabet Inc., and Meta Inc.

Some analysts however are warning that the Nasdaq is due a correction.  

It is up around 20% from a low point in late October 2023 and some analysts warn that the tech sector is overvalued and may face a correction.

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S&P 500 hits new record high 19th January 2024

Chart up

The S&P 500 index reached a new all-time high of 4,839.81 on Friday, January 19, 2024. 

This was the first time the index closed above its previous high set January 3rd 2022. The rally was driven by strong earnings from the magnificent 7 tech giants such as Nvidia and Microsoft.

The expectation of a Fed interest rate cut later this year also helped the S&P500 break new ground.

S&P 500 One Year Chart – New High 4839.81

S&P 500 One Year Chart – New High 4839.81
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Japan Nikkei index hit an all-time high of 38915 in December 1989, will it ever be broken?

Nikkei

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index set a new record in nearly 34 years last week, breaking the 35000 barrier for the first time since February 1990. Its all-time high of 38915 was hit in December 1989? That’s a 35 year old record!

Some analysts think that the long-term prospects for the Japanese markets look good.

The Nikkei 225 index is a benchmark of the Japanese stock market. It is composed of 225 large companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The index has been fluctuating between 20000 and 30000 points for most of the past decade. It recovered from the lows of the global financial crisis in 2008 and 2009.

According to some market strategists, the Nikkei 225 index could reach 40000 points in the next 12 months. Fundamentals are ‘pointing in the right direction’ and investor interest in Japan is increasing. 

This would breach the Nikkei’s all-time high of 38915 reached in December 1989. However, others suggest the rally will struggle somewhere between 36000 and the all-time high. This suggest that much of the good news is already priced in.

I think I could probably have guessed that too. The Nikkei hasn’t reached the original high of 1989 for 35 years!

It’s due a new record, isn’t it?

Nikkei index chart from 1984 to 2024 – 40 years

Nikkei index chart from 1984 to 2024 – 40 years