Global Stocks Slump Amid Release of US Data

Global Stocks Slump Amid Release of US Data
Image copyright: Jeenah Moon/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Global stock markets tanked overnight Thursday into Friday following the release of a US manufacturing survey and jobs report — both of which fell below market estimates.

  • According to a Thursday report from the Institute for Supply Management, US manufacturing — which makes up 10.3% of the economy — hit an eight-month low, with the Purchasing Managers' Index dipping to 46.8 from 48.5 in June. Any measure below 50 suggests a contraction in the market.

  • Meanwhile, Friday's jobs report showed a slowdown in hiring in the economy and an unemployment rate of 4.3%, reportedly the highest in more than two years.

The Spin

Narrative A

Recent declines in the US stock market were an indication of a potential shift and the coming end of its boom. High interest rates have hurt debt-heavy companies and smaller businesses are facing declining revenues. Political and economic uncertainties do not create optimism. Most US stocks have not reflected the economy's once-exceptional economic growth for a while.

Narrative B

A correction was only waiting to happen after the US market's bull run. Stock market crashes don't happen often, and the current situation doesn't suggest an imminent crash of a major kind. Investors should focus on maintaining diversification, balancing portfolios, and sticking to long-term plans, as history shows that market dips often present valuable buying opportunities.

Metaculus Prediction

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!