It was all about Ben Bernanke today, as investors anxiously listened to the Federal Reserve chairman testify on Capitol Hill. His words initially sent stocks spiraling down mid-morning, as markets interpreted his ambiguousness as a sign that no more federal stimulus would be coming in the near term. It seems investors had a rapid change of heart, however, as stocks suddenly turned higher around 11 a.m. ET and remained in the green for the rest of the day. At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEX: ^DJI) had gained 0.62% while the S&P 500 (INDEX: ^GSPC) rose 0.74%.
Bernanke acknowledged obvious economic concerns including Europe's debt crisis, the oncoming "fiscal cliff," and stubborn employment numbers. The big question remains how to interpret Bernanke's statement that the Fed is prepared to "take further action as appropriate to promote a stronger economic recovery."
Today's rapid market swing is a clear demonstration of how emotional investors can send the market reeling or skyrocketing on small rumors. However, the long-term situation, that the Fed will provide stimulus only if the economy worsens to a point where quantitative easing is necessary, remains unchanged. As a long-term investor with a Foolish outlook, events like this should not affect your investing decisions.
Turning to individual stocks, business-services company R.R. Donnelley & Sons (Nasdaq: RRD) rose near the top of the S&P 500, gaining 4% on the day. As the largest domestic public printing company, R.R. Donnelley is likely to suffer when businesses slow down because of macroeconomic concerns. The company also carries a significant amount of goodwill and other intangibles on its balance sheet, which raises a yellow flag for fellow Fool Rex Moore.
Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) surged more than 2% today, after rising during an otherwise negative day yesterday. Earlier today, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) beat earnings forecasts by a penny but reported lower-than-expected quarterly sales and cut its yearly profit forecast as the dollar strengthens. Pfizer faces a similar demand climate to Johnson & Johnson, although the stock's recent rise suggests that investors may expect better news when Pfizer reports earnings on July 31. Shares of Johnson & Johnson rose 0.8% on the day, although most of the gains had been erased by 4:30 p.m. ET in after-hours trading.
As earnings season heats up, be sure to keep up with your favorite companies. To start, take advantage of the free My Watchlist feature from The Motley Fool:
- Add RR Donnelley & Sons to My Watchlist.
- Add Pfizer to My Watchlist.
- Add Johnson & Johnson to My Watchlist.
