Navigating a potentially volatile October
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October is historically the most volatile month for stock markets; analysis shows highest standard deviation (SD) in index price movements for S&P 500, Nikkei 225, Hang Seng Index, FTSE 100, and FBM KLCI since 1980; geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, may increase volatility; Iran fired missiles at Israel on Oct 9, 2024; FBM KLCI's average SD in October is 8.96, compared to 6.1 for the entire year; US Federal Reserve cut policy rate by 50 bps on Sept 18, 2024; US non-farm payroll data released on Oct 4, 2024, could impact market sentiment; Budget 2025 to be tabled on Oct 18, 2024; ringgit appreciated nearly 10% in 2024; 3Q2024 GDP data to be released on Nov 15, 2024; October has historically shown a 73.5% probability of month-on-month gains since 1990; MIDF Research reports net buying by foreign funds correlates with ringgit strength; investors advised to be selective in stock choices; top picks include banking stocks and REITs.

#StockMarket #Volatility #Investment #October #Malaysia #Geopolitics #UsFederalReserve #Ringgit #Gdp #Budget2025

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