1,000-Word Charts: Stock Markets, as of end of October 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 ‘shorthand’ 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 1,000-word charts.

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

These 1,000-word charts look at the performances of the key stock market indices as of October 29, 2021.

Table 1: Stock exchanges – performances of key indices – October 29, 2021

The S&P 500 wasn't far behind, but in October, NASDAQ led in all 4 of the time frame & versus high-and-low comparisons.

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 − October, 2021

As of closing Oct 29 2021, NASDAQ was +42.0% year over year and +43.1% compared with its 52-week low.

Latest data points are for Oct. 29, 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 long-term underperformance of the TSX relative to the other 3 indices is finally being overcome. At Oct 2021's month end, the TSX & DJI were in a virtual tie for year-over-year gain (+35.2% for the latter and +35.0% for the former).

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 Oct 29 2021 closing values, % increases of key stock market indices since their Feb 2009 major troughs have been: NASDAQ +1,025%; S&P 500 +527%; DJI +407%; & TSX +159%. NASDAQ's 12-year climb has been astonishing! 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 – October 29, 2021

NASDAQ led all world markets month over month with a gain of 7.3%.

‘”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, October 29, 2021

Of the 14 indices appearing in the chart, 10 have managed y/y increases of at least 1/4. Investors nearly everywhere have had a good run!

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.

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.