Market update: US markets up despite trade tensions

By

This week in the markets

  • US stocks were up Thursday, possibly due to the release of the latest jobs report and other data suggesting a strong US economy. The report may have helped alleviate concerns over continued trade tensions between the US and China.
  • Cannabis stocks increased Tuesday after the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) approved plans to import a marijuana product to potentially treat neurological disorders.
  • US defense stocks hit an all-time high on Wednesday, driven in part by heavy defense spending.



##Major US markets rally
All major US benchmarks saw market gains Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the S&P 500 (SPX) both hitting record highs. The market rally was possibly due to signs of a steadily improving economy as reflected in the latest jobs report and other data released over the last week (Go, America!). Such reports have helped to offset the negative impacts of US-China trade policy news, such as additional tariffs on 5,000 US household goods. When will the tit-for-tat drama end?

How did the markets fare? Well, the DJIA was up 1%, the SPX was up .8%, and the Nasdaq Composite Index (COMP) was up .98%, all at Thursday’s close. Looks like investors may continue to have a positive outlook. The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI), in which MoneyLion Plus members are invested, was also up .77% Thursday. Keep investing those dollars into your Plus managed investment account!

Cannabis stocks continue to grow

Cannabis stocks saw an increase all around on Tuesday after news that the DEA had approved a proposal to import a marijuana-based product and test its efficiency in treating neurological disorders. Tilray Inc. (TLRY) has already made plans to start clinical trials of cannabis in treating movement disorders or tremors.

Will Wall Street’s obsession with marijuana stocks fizzle out or stay strong? Only time will tell.

Defense stocks hit an all-time high

The US Aerospace and Defense Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) hit an all-time high on Wednesday, which brought it to a 16% increase in 2018. Companies who create defense-related products like Boeing and Raytheon have outperformed the markets this week. Both of these companies are also part of the VTI ETF in which MoneyLion Plus members are invested. Sounds like wins across the board!

And now for your weekly ==Lionomics== wrap-up. ?

Lionomics: Finance made easy

This week, we learned about ==compounding interest, the world’s 8th wonder, which allows your initial investment to generate returns that grow exponentially. Check out this **chart**== to see the major impact of compounding over time. We also learned how many investors use ==investment returns== (a percentage change in the total value of an investment over a period of time) to measure performance.

Join MoneyLion Plus today

MoneyLion Plus (learn more: ==online== | ==mobile==) is a first-of-its-kind membership that gives you a 5.99% APR loan whenever you need it, a managed investment account, and $1 daily cashback. Plus has helped nearly 70% of members increase their credit score 30 points or more by reporting their loan payments to the credit bureaus.*

*Results not guaranteed. Your experience and circumstances may be different. Data was sourced from more than 11,000 MoneyLion Plus members who have signed up for MoneyLion’s credit monitoring, taken out a MoneyLion Plus loan, and made on-time MoneyLion Plus loan payments.

MoneyLion Plus membership required. View full terms and conditions ==here==.

Not FDIC Insured or Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value. The guided investment account is subject to risks, including but not limited to the loss of principal. Not bank or FDIC insured. This advertisement should not be construed as a recommendation regarding the suitability of purchasing a particular security or securities in general.

Sign Up
Sign Up
Sign Up
×

Join our newsletter

Sign up today and get our free investment guide. Learn how to invest today.