There are a number of factors that can have an impact onan investor's entry (buy) into or exit (sell) out of a given stock or sector. Depending on the investor and their goals and investing time frame, the importance of timing the entry will differ. Obviously, the shorter the time frame, the more important the entry; specific entries matter little to long-term (five years or more) investors.
That said, all investors should be aware of some of the more common market-moving influences that can affect a stock's price. By becoming aware of these market traits, investors can make better entries and catch an extra percent or two in return. Let's take a look at the eight factors that can materially impact the average day's trading.
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1. Overseas Market/Economy
The New York Stock Exchangeopens for trading at 9:30 a.m. ETeach day. However, prior to the opening trade on the "Big Board,"equity markets in Asia and Europe have already (or almost) finished their trading day. The point is, if certain stocks or sectors have had a particularly good or bad day in those markets, the sentiment could have an impact on trading here in the U.S.
For example, a pessimistic outlook for technology companies in Asia or pharmaceutical companies in Europe could easily spill over into U.S. trading and cause American technology and pharmaceutical stocks to take a nosedive. This, in turn, has a major adverse impact on all of the major indexes. If you see major negative activity in a foreign market that impacts your sector, it might be best to wait until the dust settles before you enter the position. This will often save you some money right from the start.
2. Economic Data
If there is talk that China may revalue its currency (the yuan), then it may cause shares of exporters to China to trade higher. (The logic behind this is that Chinese companies and individuals will be able to afford more U.S.-made products with a higher yuan).
Incidentally, interest rate changes can also cause money to flow into or out of certain markets. For example, ifinterest rates in the U.K. rise, investors in that market may flee for better opportunities. Often, U.S. stocks will reap the benefit.
In choosing when to invest, you should be aware of any economic news that is or will be coming out around the time you go to enter your position. If a highly anticipated economic release is set to come out that may lead to market volatility, it might be best to wait for its release instead of jumping in beforehand.
3. Futures Data
Although an individual might be eager to buy or sell stock "at the open" at a favorable price, futures data will give the individual a better idea of whether that will actually be possible. Index futures cover the major market indexes. They start trading before the stock market and are a very good indicator of what the stock market opening will look like. The reason for this is that index futures prices are closely linked with the actual level of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
In short, investors should check to see if futures contracts are trading higher or lower in pre-market trading. This will give them a better feel for where the index they are tracking might be headed "after the open."You will usually find CNBC or other market outlets talking about the movement of DJIA or futures before they open.
4. Buying at the Open
Buying or selling stock at the open of the market might not be a good idea. Why?
A lot of buying andselling typically occurs within the first hour of the trading day. The opening hour of trading is basically the first time that most market participants have to enter or exit the stock, which can easily produce higher-than-average trading volume. These market participants are reacting to the myriad news stories that came out between yesterday's close and today's open, which includes major market news events like economic reports and political changes.
Prior to the open, a handful of bellwether stocks report earnings or disseminate news. This can cause some investors (both retail and institutional) to rotate money in or out of a sector at the first chance they get—creating a mad rush at the open.
5. Midday Trading Lull
There is typically a drop-off in trading (meaning the volume of the transactions) at noon as most of the major news events are out in the market. During this lull, stock prices can often lose some ground.
When this happens, stocks can be purchased at a cheaper price at 1 p.m. than they could at, say, 11 a.m. Again, this is important to know, as this can affect both entry and exit points.
6. Analyst Ratings
An analyst may disseminate an intraday note that can have a significant impact on a given stock or sector. As a tip, remember to scan financial websites or watch business reports on television. If a large company has just been upgraded or downgraded, try to judge the potential impact on certain industries and the market as a whole.
For example, if a major semiconductor stock were downgraded by a well-known analyst due to slackening demand for that company's products, it might be reasonable to assume that other smaller players may be experiencing similar trends. It might also be logical to assume that shares of computer makers (which purchase large numbers of semiconductors) might be impacted as well.
Also, if a major home builder was upgraded due to strong demand for its homes, it is reasonable to assume that other sizable players within the industry (that have the same geographic footprint) may be experiencing a similar increase in demand. By extension, the increase in demand for new homes could mean big business for home improvement stores andfurniture makers.
7. Social Media and Blogs
The internet has transformed the way people invest, as well as the way the public at large obtains news; therefore, if a web writer or journalist disseminates a bullish or bearish article about a company throughout the trading day, this can have a huge impact on its stock.
All investors should try to peruse the web and visit major news portals throughout the day to see if there are any potentially market-moving news stories in the public domain. Be careful to avoid sites that give recommendations based on the stocks they own. These pump-and-dump schemes are prevalent on the web.
8. Friday Trading
Even if you're a "buy-and-hold" investor, a significant number of retail and institutional traders typically liquidate their equities on Friday (usually in the afternoon), so they don't have to hold their positions and assume risk through the weekend. What does this mean for you?
It means that stocks can and often sell off Friday afternoon during the last few hours of the trading day, if for no other reason than traders are looking to go home "flat" (without positions on their books). Keep this in mind on Fridays if you are trying to find a favorable time to enter or exit a stock position.
The Bottom Line
While company-specific events can have an impact on equity prices, there are a number of other factors that can affect your shares as well. Savvy investors should be aware of them.
