September’s stock market slump: a historical weak spot

September has started poorly on the stock market, and historically it is often the worst month for stocks, with an average return of minus 1.2 percent for the OMXS30 index since 1986. Only August shows worse figures at minus 1.38 percent, according to Nicklas Andersson's review of stock statistics. However, he notes the effect has diminished over the last ten years, with seven of the last ten Septembers ending positive. Current concerns include escalating US-Iran conflict, rising oil prices, inflation worries, and high interest rates, creating a poor cocktail for global markets. Andersson sees improved economic conditions in Sweden as a counterweight, while noting the US midterm elections add uncertainty.