Equity indices were nearly unchanged in January following volatility that drove prices higher and lower throughout the month. Market performance for prior Januarys has historically been acknowledged as an indicator of where markets might head for the year.
Speculative trading among smaller retail investors raised concerns about how social media is influencing individual stock valuations. As a result, volatility spiked in late January. Leading sectors for the month were energy, health care, and consumer discretionary, while materials and industrials lagged.
Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters
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