1,000-Word Charts: Stock Markets

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 April 30, 2021.

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

Versus their 52-week lows from the pandemic-shocked Spring of last year to the present, the 4 indices are up in a range of plus 1/3 (TSX) to nearly plus 2/3 (NASDAQ). New all-time highs were set all around in Apr 2021.

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 − April 30, 2021

As of closing Apr 30 2021, NASDAQ was +57.1% year over year and +63.5% compared with its 52-week low.

Latest data points are for Apr. 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 year

NASDAQ flattened for a few months over the Winter, but has picked up steam again.

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 Apr. 30, 2021 closing values, % increases of key stock market indices since their Feb. 2009 major troughs have been: NASDAQ +913%; S&P 500 +469%; DJI +380%; & TSX +135%. 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 – April 30, 2021

NASDAQ led all world markets month over month with a gain of 5.4%.

‘"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, April 30, 2021

On a y/y basis, there are no indices in decline. With the pandemic finally winding down, hopefully (and keeping our fingers crossed), stock market strength has become fairly broadly based around the world.

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, Apr 30 2021, the DJI was +2.7% m/m and +39.1% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 34,257 just recently reached on Apr 16 2021, the DJI ended the month -1.1%.

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 April 30, 2021.

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

Upon closing, Apr 30 2021, the S&P 500 was +5.2% m/m and +43.6% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 4,219 just recently reached on Apr 29 2021, the S&P 500 ended the month -0.9%.

Graph 7: NASDAQ Composite Index

Upon closing, Apr 30 2021, NASDAQ was +5.4% m/m and +57.1% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 14,212 just recently reached on Apr 29 2021, NASDAQ ended the month -1.8%.

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

Upon closing, Apr 30 2021, the TSX was +2.2% m/m and +29.3% y/y. Compared with its all-time high of 19,440 just recently reached on Apr 29 2021, the TSX ended the month -1.7%.

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 April 30, 2021.

Please click on the following link to view the latest stock market charts and tables for the U.S. and Canada: CanaData Forecaster Charts & Tables – Stock Markets.