A whipsaw trading day that saw the major indices flip back and forth between big gains and steep losses ended with a booming rally and a sigh of relief across Wall Street.
What Happened in the Stock Market Today?
The Dow, which opened Tuesday, Feb. 6, down by 261 points, eventually rebounded for a 2.3% gain to close at 24,912. That 567-point recovery offers investors at least a little respite -- and a moment to think about the all-important bigger picture.
The bull market may have been shaken, but it's still intact, and it's still sitting on a stable foundation. Nothing about the past few trading days has changed the fact that the economy is healthy. Investors should take a few minutes to look at the list of positive indicators signaling America's economic strength -- they'll find there are few reasons to sell. In fact, one market expert even says that's a reason to get bullish on commodities again.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
That doesn't mean stock volatility is about to simply disappear. Stocks still are overpriced compared to historical averages, and the potential for the bond market to continue sliding hasn't been put to bed. If nothing else, we could be in for a riskier stretch compared to the all-time-low volatility we saw in 2017. The return to higher market volatility can be especially worrisome for retirement savers. Here are several tips to safeguard what you've already socked away in your nest egg.
-
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?Tax Breaks A QCD can lower your tax bill while meeting your charitable giving goals in retirement. Here’s how.
-
Embracing Generative AI for Financial SuccessGenerative AI has the potential to reshape how we approach learning about and managing our personal finances.
-
Fed Sees Fewer Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are SayingFederal Reserve The Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected, but the future path of borrowing costs became more opaque.
-
Why Is Warren Buffett Selling So Much Stock?Berkshire Hathaway is dumping equities, hoarding cash and making market participants nervous.
-
Fed Cuts Rates Again: What the Experts Are Saying
Federal Reserve The central bank continued to ease, but a new administration in Washington clouds the outlook for future policy moves.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Google Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayGoogle parent Alphabet has been a market-beating machine for ages.
-
Fed Goes Big With First Rate Cut: What the Experts Are Saying
Federal Reserve A slowing labor market prompted the Fed to start with a jumbo-sized reduction to borrowing costs.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Retreat Ahead of Nvidia EarningsMarkets lost ground on light volume Wednesday as traders keyed on AI bellwether Nvidia earnings after the close.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Edge Higher With Nvidia Earnings in FocusNvidia stock gained ground ahead of tomorrow's after-the-close earnings event, while Super Micro Computer got hit by a short seller report.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Hits New Record Closing HighThe Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 finished in the red as semiconductor stocks struggled.
