5 Factors Moving Stocks Between Now and Year End

Just because the election is over does not mean traders will lack things to chew on for the remainder of 2016. "We may see residual volatility as capital shifts to new sectors to compensate for new risks associated with a Trump presidency," said David Schiegoleit, managing director of investments at the private client reserve of U.S. Bank. "But once the volatility works itself out you will find the consumer in good shape and ready to start spending. So we are constructive on pro-growth, pro-consumer sectors of the market." Third quarter earnings thus far are up about 1.6% year over year. In Schiegoleit's view not only does this possibly signal an end to the earnings recession, but also a decent upside surprise compared to forecasts. The Fed is also something to watch in the fourth quarter. The fixed income market is acutely focused on the December FOMC meeting, and the likelihood of a rate increase. The Fed Funds futures are forecasting a 75% chance of a rate hike in December, as are most market forecasts.