As market volatility continues and the mid-term election draws rapidly near, this month’s Student of the Market gives insight into the relationship between midterm election years and market performance. You might be surprised to see the breakdown of U.S. stock sector performance for the last five Presidents. Also stats on performance following peaks in inflation and performance 12 months after bad starts for bonds/stocks, may bring some relief.

After a big July for stocks, August was a bit disappointing at -4.1% even though historically the average return after “best months” is 1.1%. This month’s Student of the Market looks at those type of U.S. Stock Market ups and downs from a historical point of view, offering some relief to turbulent feelings by looking at the big picture.

With a good Market showing in July, what are the historical trends for the 6 months following? Now throw in mid-term elections and this month’s overview of market performance gets very interesting. Also included are past trends for stock performance during recessions and a quick look at a couple of inverted yield curves.

History shows that mid-term election years have an effect on market performance. What does that look like during the kind of market volatility already encountered in 2022? This month’s Student of the Market takes a quick look at stats showing market performance across the election cycle. There is also a quick study of stats showing the trends for Bull and Bear Markets, and recession asset class performance.

Do you feel your satisfaction level with the market is tracking with the norm? Maybe this brief history of long term stock performance might help change your mind. This month’s Student of the Market shows the numbers on how $1,000 invested in 1926 grew to over $14 million and how best days for stocks tend to closely follow the worst days.

Here’s a quick look at how the history of major geopolitical events have affected market volatility along with stats on the market volatility of today and the importance of limiting downsize. This year we’ve seen the 2nd worst start of a year ever for bonds, reaching the top 10 of worst starts for stock returns in January and February. What can the history of other “worst starts” tell us?

Looking for stats on market volatility in uncertain times? These stock market numbers going back to 1950 might help you stay the course. In addition, here’s an overview of 2022’s 1st quarter in all the issues that matter: stock and bond returns, money market assets, growth vs value, interest rates, and the effects of inflation. Included is an important visual showing how a diversified portfolio can work even when it may not feel so good.

Along with historical stats on how stock returns followed a positive vs. negative January, this Student of the Market explores stock market volatility, the effects of the Fed raising interest rates by looking at past periods of higher interest rates, and more numbers on headline inflation.