Stock markets rose then fell over the month but managed to cling to some gains to close September higher than it began. Overall, dividend paying stocks rose the most with REITs and international stocks also contributing to the upside. Health care and utility sectors were flat over the month and bonds dropped a little.
September is the only month with a long term (since 1950) negative (-0.5%) average return. Despite all the alarming news last month stocks weathered well. October is sometimes referred to as the “jinx month” because three major market crashes, 1929, 1987 and 2008 began in this month. Returns for October must be generally strong to offset those tumbles and still net positive. No need to dread this month every year. Hotspots that may affect investments now are Iran and yet another conflict involving worldwide oil supplies, U.S.-China trade relations, and EU-Brexit issues. Your investments are already prepared for volatility.
Wisps of summer linger in the rush of autumn weather. Later blooming flowers cheer the garden until flamboyant trees take center stage under October bright-blue skies. Migrating birds have begun their annual flights to warmer destinations. Some humans are firming their winter destination plans also. This restless season stirs with change and preparation. A harvest of golden summer memories gets tucked in like colored leaves pressed in a book.
