1,000-Word Charts: Stock Markets as of July 30, 2021

Due to its complexity, much of the subject matter concerning the economy requires detailed editorial commentary, often supported by relevant tables and graphs.

At the same time, though, there are many topics (e.g., relating to demographics, housing starts, etc.) that cry out for compelling ‘short-hand’ visualizations.

Whichever path is followed, the point of the journey, almost always, is to reach a bottom line or two.

To provide additional value, ConstructConnect is now pleased to offer an ongoing series of 1000-word charts.

These will help readers sort out the ‘big picture’ more clearly.

These 1,000-word charts looks at the performance of stock markets as of July 30, 2021.

Table 1: Stock exchanges – performances of key indices – July 30, 2021

In July, stock market investors maintained their faith in a buoyant economic outlook. During the month, all 4 indices ̶ i.e., the DJI, S&P 500, NASDAQ and TSX ̶ set new record highs.

Sources: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Standard and Poor’s (S & P), National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) and Reuters.
Table: ConstructConnect.

Graph 1: U.S. Stock Markets − July 30, 2021

As of closing Jul 30 2021, NASDAQ was +36.6% year over year and +39.5% compared with its 52-week low.

Latest data points are for July 30, 2021.
Red vertical lines denote Feb 2009 major ‘troughs’ for the indices.

Data sources: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Standard and Poor’s (S & P), National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), Reuters & Yahoo.
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Graph 2: Performances of key stock market indices during latest 12 months

The indices stumbled in early Fall of last year, but soon began to soar again. The movements in the latest month (July 2021), however, were a little more sideways than upwards.

Data sources: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Standard and Poor’s (S & P), National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) and Reuters.
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Graph 3: Performances of key stock market indices since 2008-09 downturn

As of July 30, 2021 closing values, % increases of key stock market indices since their Feb. 2009 major troughs have been: NASDAQ +965%; S&P 500 +498%; DJI +395%; & TSX +150%. NASDAQ's 12-year climb has been spectacular! Without question, the U.S. economy gains a tremendous advantage from the strength of its high-tech sector.

Table 2: Key Domestic & International Stock Market Indices – July 30, 2021

The Russell 2000 led all world markets year over year with a gain of 50.4%.

‘"Ticker symbols" are in brackets. MSCI (formerly Morgan Stanley Capital International) is a leading provider of investment decision support tools, with indices as one specialty. "iShares" is a web site that specializes in "exchange traded funds", or ETFs, managed by BlackRock Investments LLC.

Data Source: ‘finance.yahoo.com’
Table: ConstructConnect.

Graph 4: Stock Market Performances: U.S. & Canada vs Rest of World
Year over Year as of Month-end Closings, July 30, 2021

Over a shorter time frame than y/y, the indices with the highest m/m gains in July were the S&P 500, +2.3%; STOXX Europe, +1.8%; and the DJI, +1.3. But on a month- over-month basis, more of the 14 indices (8 vs 6) registered declines than increases.

iShares is a web site that specializes in “exchange traded funds”, or ETFs, managed by BlackRock Investments LLC.

Data Source: ‘finance.yahoo.com’
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Graph 5: New York Stock Exchange: Dow-Jones Industrials (30)

Upon closing, July 30, 2021, the DJI was +1.3% m/m and +32.2% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 35,172 just recently reached on July 29, 2021, the DJI ended the month -0.7%.

Areas of gray shading denote century’s 2 prior recessions (‘dot.com’ collapse in 2001 & Great Recession Q1 08 to Q2 09). The chart shows month-end closing figures. The latest data point is for July 30, 2021.

Graph 6: New York Stock Exchange: Standard and Poor’s (500)

Upon closing, July 30, 2021, the S&P 500 was +2.3% m/m and +34.4% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 4,430 just recently reached on July 29, 2021, the S&P 500 ended the month -0.8%.

Graph 7: NASDAQ Composite Index

Upon closing, July 30, 2021, NASDAQ was +1.2% m/m and +36.6% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 14,864 just recently reached on July 26 2021, NASDAQ ended the month -1.3%.

Graph 8: S&P/TSX Composite Index: Toronto Stock Exchange

Area of gray shading denotes Canada’s earlier recession in current century (Q4 2008 to Q2 2009; no ‘dot.com’ collapse). The chart shows month-end closing figures. The latest data point is for July 30, 2021.

Alex Carrick is Chief Economist for ConstructConnect. He has delivered presentations throughout North America on the U.S., Canadian and world construction outlooks. Mr. Carrick has been with the company since 1985. Links to his numerous articles are featured on Twitter @ConstructConnx, which has 50,000 followers.