Football is back, which means Summer is coming to a close, days will get shorter, and sweaters will soon be in play.
This year, there was no pre-season, so professional football started in September, which coincidentally, is a perennial month for stock market volatility.1
Football follows Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League, in which each organization started seasons (some abbreviated) in the past few months. Some colleges are playing fall sports, while others have postponed a part of their seasons.
This year, September is helping its reputation as a volatile month. After closing at a record high on September 2, the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index fell sharply over the next three sessions. Concerns about COVID-19, Congress taking its time with further economic stimulus, and the upcoming elections seemed to unnerve investors.1,2,3
Most pro football stadiums are open to players and staff, but fans can expect to watch the games at home for much of the season. While games won’t be held inside a “bubble,” as with the NBA and NHL, NFL teams have changed travel and lodging protocols to distance or isolate players as much as possible, up to hiring two planes for each traveling team.4
The point is that you have to be aware of what’s happening and make informed decisions.
So while your financial professional might not have any tips for your fantasy football team, they may be able to provide some guidance about how to stay focused on investment goals despite some short-term volatility.
1. CNBC.com, August 31, 2020
2. The Wall Street Journal, September 3, 2020
3. The Wall Street Journal, September 8, 2020
4. Philadelphia Inquirer, September 9, 2020
Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite, LLC, is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.