Listen to this discussion about current market movements. Try to listen to the dialogue at least once without reading the text. If you have troubles understanding, or to check your understanding Click on ‘Show Dialogue Text’ to read along with recorded selection.
What did you see on the market last week?
It was an interesting week. We started the week down about 2.5% and ended the week 3% up. There was a lot of movement.
Yes, I noticed that. I think the Fed’s announcement improved investor confidence.
Absolutely. The Fed signaled it was keeping interest rates at the same level.
... I don’t think people expected that.
That’s right. It sparked a rally starting on Wednesday that held on through the week.
The consumer confidence number is coming out next week.
That’s always a big indicator of how things are going.
This recession has definitely affected confidence negatively.
Yes, but I think you’ll see the consumer confidence number inching upwards.
The last few months have been disappointing.
That’s true but they haven’t been as disastrous as some economists had feared.