Stock Market Investment Likely to Prove a More Exact Science in 2018
written by Bella PalmerAlthough Brexit nerves meant that stock markets in the UK didn’t quite hit the same spectacular returns as those in the U.S.
In short, over the course of this year, on most stock exchanges but particularly over in the USA, it has been quite a task to not achieve good returns. The signing into law of Trump’s tax cuts shortly before Christmas stoked optimism next year could perhaps prove to be another strongly positive one for
While Trump’s tax cuts will likely provide at least a temporary boost to markets, the extent and duration of the impact may be less than many hope for. Firstly, most of the larger companies that have driven much of
This means valuations are not as stretched as they had been looking and will likely provide some support to current levels. However, it’s almost certainly not going to be the driver it has been trumpeted as. However, for those investing online it will provide some interesting opportunities at a sector level. This is especially the case for sectors where corporate tax levels have the greatest impact such as in
Many analysts believe the most likely scenario for 2018 are stock markets that move largely sideways. The argument is that most of the drivers that have proven to be the engines of the 9 year bull run have already played out. The strength of gains in 2017 are also likely to have an impact, with this year having had more than its fair share. This doesn’t mean that stock markets will have a bad year but that it may well be too late to realise significant gains through passive index investing so late in the cycle. Choosing the right sectors and particular stocks is likely to be far more important next year.
Those investing in 2018 would also be well advised to put more research into the stock markets in which they invest. European and Japanese stocks are considered by many to be the most promising for the coming 12 months with a stronger dollar providing a boost. The UK may also a promising market having shown less growth in 2017 than many others. While Brexit uncertainty won’t be solved next year, the FTSE 100 companies are largely internationally focused.
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