Investors have been contending with two trends in the sell-off of recent weeks: anxiety over a change in Fed policy and evidence of a slowdown in the global economy. A strong U.S. economy continues to suggest increases in interest rates in the first half of 2015. At the same time, the rest of the world appears to be decelerating. This trend was highlighted recently in a report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While global growth is likely to remain below historic norms, it is not collapsing.
Global fears. Stocks pulled back as global concerns reached a tipping point. But indicators still point to a renewed uptrend. Volatility could continue but equity investors should keep the longer-term picture in mind, which on balance is positive. The U.S. economy is improving and monetary policy remains quite loose. The international picture is more concerning.
Interview with infectious disease specialist about the Ebola outbreak. Dr. Cosby Stone, Jr. discusses the Ebola outbreak, contrasting U.S. cultural differences with those of African nations, where the disease has spread rapidly. Cultural differences and the disease process itself suggest that spread of the Ebola virus is likely to be contained in the U.S.
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