Examining October
WEEKLY UPDATE - OCTOBER 22, 2018
In This Issue
Stock performance was mixed last week as investors considered the impact of interest rates, international affairs and corporate earnings. [1] The S&P 500 gained 0.02%, and the Dow added 0.41% to post its first weekly gains in October. The NASDAQ declined 0.64% and extended its losing streak. [2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE dropped by 0.08%. [3]
While the final weekly results showed relatively little growth or loss, the week included some volatility.[4] So far, domestic indexes have struggled this month. As of October 19, the S&P 500 and Dow had each lost more than 3% for the month, and the NASDAQ was down 7%.[5]  

As we have often discussed in our market updates, volatility may feel uncomfortable, but market fluctuations are normal. That perspective becomes especially relevant in October, which is considered the most volatile month for markets.[6]   

Examining October History

Historical performance can't predict future results. However, we do believe that understanding what makes October unique can help provide context for the current environment.

Significant market events
For generations, many of the most significant market events have taken place in October, including the crash of 1929 and multiple large drops in 2008. In addition, last Friday, October 19, marked the 31st anniversary of the "Bloody Monday" market crash. On that date in 1987, the S&P 500 lost over 20% of its value.[7] 

Higher than normal volatility
Since 1950, the S&P 500 has experienced more 1% moves in October than any other month.[8] The month has also been the Dow's most volatile since its beginning in 1896.[9] 

Surprising performance
Despite the large events and high volatility that October can bring, its results may be stronger than expected. For the past 20 years, October has had the strongest performance of any month.[10] 

Exactly how this month will end remains to be seen, as we still have a few trading days left. But we hope that understanding how much markets often move in October will help you ride out any future volatility with more confidence. Of course, we're also here to provide any answers or information you need, so contact us any time.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR
Wednesday: New Home Sales
Thursday: Durable Goods Orders, Jobless Claims
Friday: GDP, Consumer Sentiment



Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on  Morningstar.com  and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.
 

"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to meet it!"
 
-  Jonathan Winters

Baked Shrimp with Feta
Serves 4

Ingredients:  
  • 1½ pounds peeled/deveined medium shrimp, tails removed (thaw if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons garlic-basil Italian dressing
  • Large zip-top bag
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup tomato-basil pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 7 ounces deli feta cheese
 
Directions:  
  1. Heat oven to 400°F.
  2. Put shrimp and dressing in the bag.
  3. Let it marinate in the bag for 10 minutes.
  4. Chop the onion and parsley.
  5. Heat large sauté pan on medium, 2-3 minutes.
  6. Put oil in heated pan and add onions. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened.
  7. Mix in garlic and pepper.
  8. Mix in pasta sauce and oregano with the onion mix.
  9. Cook while stirring, 2-3 minutes.
  10. Mix in shrimp and parsley.
  11. Lay shrimp and onion mix throughout the 9-inch square baking dish.
  12. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
  13. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cheese has browned.
  14. Serve.
   
Recipe adapted from Publix® [11]
   

Send It Soaring Even Farther
 
Just a short distance. Maybe five yards. Ten yards would be nice. That's all you want. What's the secret to adding yards to your drive?

The short answer: Do what the pros do.

The longer answer? Amateurs tend to strike too low on the face of the ball during their drives, creating high spin and a low launch.

The way to achieve distance is by making sure your driver face hits the ball's "sweet spot," which is slightly above the ball's center. The result, if done correctly: Your ball goes farther.

Let's go a little deeper into how you do it. As your club is moving in the downswing and approaching the ball, it should feel like the driver will brush through the grass. By focusing on your swing in this manner, your club tends to move slightly upward prior to impact. This gives the impact an immediate boost.

Let's explore the turning movement during your downswing. To produce more punch at impact, you must transfer the energy in your body and arms into your clubhead. Make the turn with your shoulders, but don't strain yourself in the movement.

Here's how it should feel in your feet with this power swing: You should feel pressure in the instep of your back foot. The foot that is closest to the target should feel light. During the downswing, you push hard into the ground with your front foot.

Practice this movement a few times to get the feel of it.
 
 
Tip adapted from GolfDigest[13]
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
 
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the "Forward email" link below. We love being introduced!

 

 

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

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[1] www.cnbc.com/2018/10/19/wall-street-futures-point-to-a-slight-rebound-after-the-dow-sheds-300-points.html

[2] www.cnbc.com/2018/10/19/wall-street-futures-point-to-a-slight-rebound-after-the-dow-sheds-300-points.html


[4] www.cnbc.com/2018/10/19/wall-street-futures-point-to-a-slight-rebound-after-the-dow-sheds-300-points.html

[5] www.cnbc.com/2018/10/19/wall-street-futures-point-to-a-slight-rebound-after-the-dow-sheds-300-points.html

[6] www.marketwatch.com/story/fasten-your-seat-belt-october-is-almost-here-2018-09-25

[7] www.cnbc.com/2018/10/15/this-chart-shows-why-october-has-such-a-scary-reputation-on-wall-street.html

www.marketwatch.com/story/dow-poised-to-jump-100-points-at-the-open-as-stock-market-aims-to-follow-china-rebound-2018-10-19?dist=markets

[8] www.cnbc.com/2018/10/15/this-chart-shows-why-october-has-such-a-scary-reputation-on-wall-street.html

[9] www.marketwatch.com/story/should-investors-fear-october-a-historic-jinx-month-for-stocks-2018-09-26

[10] finance.yahoo.com/video/ryan-detrick-markets-210928786.html?format=embed

[11] www.publix.com/recipes-planning/aprons-recipes/baked-shrimp-with-feta

[12] www.irs.gov/newsroom/employees-with-other-sources-of-income-should-do-a-paycheck-checkup

[13]  www.golfdigest.com/story/give-your-tee-shots-an-instant-boost

[14]  www.webmd.com/dvt/ss/slideshow-deep-vein-thrombosis-overview

[15] www.earthshare.org/10-tips-to-clear-the-clutter/


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David P. Little & Tyler D. Little
Little & Associates Wealth Management
5209 Heritage Ave. Ste. 500
Colleyville, TX 76034
817-494-9000
[email protected]
http://www.laawm.com

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