Markets posted their fifth straight session of gains Thursday, bouncing back from a deep sell-off that sent the Dow into a correction. Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity, breaks down why there has been such choppy trading in the markets.
Timmer says the two years leading up to the correction were unusually quiet due to the markets firing on all cylinders. Last August was a pivotal moment for markets because the chances of corporate tax cuts spiked. Timmer says another factor was the bond market because it was way too complacent about the possibility of rate hikes.
The VIX index, which serves as a "fear gauge" in markets, spiked in recent weeks. Timmer places the blame on hedge funds and traders who were short volatility. He added that the fundamentals of the economy are still relatively constructive and volatility will settle back down.
The Federal Trade Commission has sued to block Microsoft from completing its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard, the latest antitrust challenge to the proposed merger but one that could hasten its conclusion.
Child care costs have risen dramatically, especially since the pandemic. Dawn Allcot, parenting expert with Money Crashers, joined Cheddar News to provide tips for parents on how they can save on child care expenses.
Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist with Invesco, joined Cheddar News to discuss a new week in trading as stocks closed near session highs, as the S&P and Nasdaq traded at their highest since April last year.
