Market outlook remains bright despite these risks

Article Excerpt

The overall outlook for stocks looks positive, powered by profit growth. Free-spending governments will initially drive that growth, with stronger consumer spending and business investment eventually taking over as drivers. Also, central banks are expected to keep interest rates low for some time to come. Meanwhile, though, stock markets still face several risks. First, COVID-19 could remain a problem for longer than expected. The virus is already mutating into new variants, potentially making today’s vaccines less effective. Vaccinated individuals may also continue to spread the virus, or the vaccines may only work for a limited time. All of that suggests the virus will not be contained by the second half of 2021 and that a return to normal life will be delayed until 2022. This will slow the economy and the profit resurgence for many companies. A second risk is that inflation returns and interest rates rise sharply. Still, higher interest rates are usually accompanied by increased economic activity and growth. That’s what pushes up…