The Key Factor Spooking Investors and Sending Stocks Into Freefall
The Dow suffered its worst point drop in history, closing down over 1,000 points. Riva Gold, Markets Reporter at WSJ joined to break down the factors spooking investors.
Gold emphasized that the big scare in the market was triggered by the wage growth in the jobs report. She added that it brought worries of inflation and rates hikes back into the spotlight. Gold said the fundamental backdrop for stocks hasn’t really changed. She points to corporate earnings and credit market as indicators that the market could be in good shape.
Gold said the biggest factor dragging down market is fear of fed raising rates. She thinks it's a a wake-up call for the equity markets that inflation will accompany growth. This means corporations will have to pay employees more, which ultimately weighs on profits, Gold added.
Ahead of the release of October's consumer inflation data Tuesday, you may notice changes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When it comes to how it estimates health insurance costs, the move is expected to give a boost to the U.S. inflation measure which will reverse a trend that has provided some relief.
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.