Stocks hit record highs after last week’s interest rate reduction by the Fed and U.S. President Donald Trump works to negotiate a deal for TikTok.
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Stock prices rose to record highs on Friday as investors continued to rejoice the Fed’s quarter-point interest rate reduction last week.
The large-cap S&P 500, the technology-focused Nasdaq Composite and the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to record highs after the Fed’s quarter-point rate cut—even though the reduction was widely anticipated. The enthusiasm has prompted concerns that a stock market bubble may be forming. A bubble is a quick rise in stock prices fueled by investor optimism rather than business fundamentals. True bubbles end with a correction, when stock prices decline rapidly.
Investors are also processing new headlines about social media platform TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance. TikTok has until December 16 to find a U.S. ownership team or face a ban in the states. Congress originally imposed a January 20 deadline, which Trump has extended three times.
Trump reportedly discussed a spin-off deal with China’s Xi Jinping on Friday. According to multiple reports, Trump has identified Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, Oracle executive chairman Larry Ellison, and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell as potentially participating in TikTok’s U.S. spinoff.
Investing & Economic News To Watch Today
Fed governor Stephen Miran, handpicked by Trump for the central bank committee that influences interest rates, will speak at the Economic Club of New York Luncheon at noon Eastern on Monday. The U.S. Senate confirmed Miran’s appointment to the Fed on September 15.
Miran disagreed with the Fed’s quarter-point rate cut announced September 17, arguing instead for a half-point reduction. In Miran’s view, there is no evidence that tariffs are raising prices. He also believes a larger rate reduction is justified because lower immigration will bring prices down.
He was the only member to vote against the Fed’s decision. Miran’s New York speech will provide more insights on his views and communication style.
ForbesHow Stagflation Differs From A RecessionBy Catherine BrockToday’s Trading Lesson: DCA
Should you practice dollar-cost-averaging? Dollar-cost averaging, or DCA, is the practice of investing a set amount on a periodic schedule, such as $200 monthly. The alternative is to invest a larger amount on a less regular schedule, such as $1,500 whenever you have the extra cash.
DCA reduces your timing risk, which is the potential for making a large trade at exactly the wrong time. You don’t want to invest $1,500 in a stock the day before it crashes, for example. That situation isn’t necessarily disastrous, but it is unpleasant and may lengthen your holding period for that stock.
DCA has benefits in other scenarios, too. For example, when stock prices are falling, DCA lowers your average cost basis over time. All else being equal, a lower cost basis equates to higher gains. When stock prices are rising, purchasing smaller share counts early—versus a larger share count later—also results in a lower average cost.
ForbesHow To Decide How Much To Invest In Stocks Vs. BondsBy Catherine BrockEfficiency and Mindset Benefits
DCA’s most impactful advantages, though, have more to do with efficiency and mindset. From an efficiency perspective, DCA is easy to budget. Simply look over your budget and decide what you can dedicate monthly to your investment account. Carving out a monthly investing budget often leads to more consistent activity than waiting until you have extra cash on hand.
From a mindset perspective, DCA makes investing a habit. Add automation to the mix and the habit becomes more powerful and lucrative. When you automate your monthly investments, you’re more likely to keep buying no matter how the market performs—which benefits you in good times and bad. In good times, you feel optimistic about your ongoing investing activity. In bad times, you’re buying stocks on sale and setting yourself up for nice gains when the market recovers.
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