Dow Plunges More than 670 Points, Logging Worst Week in 2 years
Markets plunged more than 670 points, logging the worst week in 2 years. Lindsey Bell, Investment Strategist at CFRA Research, was with us to break down the factors causing stocks to tumble.
A positive jobs report that revealed 200,000 jobs in January and a 2.9% increase in wages are giving the Fed more ammo in its case to raise rates at a faster pace. It's not just rates that are a cause of concern, said Bell. The analyst said we are seeing China had a tough week over concerns over economic growth and financial regulation.
Bell said we also can't underestimate the impact the release of the GOP surveillance document had on the markets. This is a form of uncertainty, which could lead to investors pulling money out of the markets, she added. Bell said she thinks this is a healthy move downward and profit-taking is probably necessary. She said a 10% pullback could be in the cards.
A handful of retailers will report earnings this week, including Home Depot, Target, Walmart and Macy's, as gas prices peaked in September to the end of this latest quarter while borrowing costs remain at their highest levels in decades.
The largest South American airline altered its travel policy because Taylor Swift was supposed to perform in Argentina's capital on Friday but moved the date to Sunday because of inclement weather.