
The 10 Factors That Affect Stock Prices
- · Market sentiment. The price of the stock of a company is affected most of the time by the general market direction...
- · The performance of the industry. The performance of the sector or industry that the company is in also plays in part...
- · The earning results and earning guidance. The main objective of a company is to make...
What factors affect share prices?
However, there a number of factors that can move stocks up and down. Demand and supply in the market affect the prices of shares. When demand for shares exceeds supply, which means the buyers are more than sellers, the prices increase. When demand is less than supply, meaning that buyers are less than sellers, the prices decrease.
What are the factors affecting the stock market?
In summary, the key fundamental factors are:
- The level of the earnings base (represented by measures such as EPS, cash flow per share , dividends per share)
- The expected growth in the earnings base
- The discount rate, which is itself a function of inflation
- The perceived risk of the stock
What drives up stock prices?
What Makes a Stock Go Up and Down
- Technical Factors. A whole segment of market participants utilize technical analysis to determine which stocks should be bought and when.
- Exogenous Events. Sometimes, valuation, technical analysis and other factors don’t matter as much as global events. ...
- Macroeconomic Environment. ...
- Current Market Trends. ...
How does the news affect stock prices?
When breaking news comes in stock prices will react. This is called price discovery. Investors will process the new information and decide how stock prices will be affected. And you'll see price movements following the news. How do stocks react to news? The type of reaction that we see depends on whether the news is good or bad.

What affects stock price most?
Key TakeawaysStock prices are driven by a variety of factors, but ultimately the price at any given moment is due to the supply and demand at that point in time in the market.Fundamental factors drive stock prices based on a company's earnings and profitability from producing and selling goods and services.More items...
What are the 3 factors affecting stock prices?
Supply and demand, company financial performance and broad economic trends are three factors that affect the market value of stocks.Supply and Demand. ... Company Financial Performance. ... Broad Economic Trends.
What determines the price of a stock?
After a company goes public, and its shares start trading on a stock exchange, its share price is determined by supply and demand for its shares in the market. If there is a high demand for its shares due to favorable factors, the price will increase.
What causes stock price to drop?
When investors begin a major sell-off of their shares of a company's stock, it increases the amount of available stock in the markets. When the supply of the available stock for sale is higher than investor demand to purchase the stock, it leads to a decrease in stock price.
What makes stock market go up and down?
Stock prices go up and down based on supply and demand. When people want to buy a stock versus sell it, the price goes up. If people want to sell a stock versus buying it, the price goes down. Forecasting whether there will be more buyers or sellers of a certain stock requires additional research, however.
What makes a stock go up?
By this we mean that share prices change because of supply and demand. If more people want to buy a stock (demand) than sell it (supply), then the price moves up. Conversely, if more people wanted to sell a stock than buy it, there would be greater supply than demand, and the price would fall.
What happens if no one sells a stock?
When there are no buyers, you can't sell your shares—you'll be stuck with them until there is some buying interest from other investors. A buyer could pop in a few seconds, or it could take minutes, days, or even weeks in the case of very thinly traded stocks.
How do you pick a good stock?
7 things an investor should consider when picking stocks:Trends in earnings growth.Company strength relative to its peers.Debt-to-equity ratio in line with industry norms.Price-earnings ratio as an indicator of valuation.How the company treats dividends.Effectiveness of executive leadership.More items...
Why do stocks move up?
Often a stock simply moves according to a short-term trend. On the one hand, a stock that is moving up can gather momentum, as "success breeds success" and popularity buoys the stock higher. On the other hand, a stock sometimes behaves the opposite way in a trend and does what is called reverting to the mean. Unfortunately, because trends cut both ways and are more obvious in hindsight, knowing that stocks are "trendy" does not help us predict the future.
Why is low inflation bad for stocks?
2 Deflation, on the other hand, is generally bad for stocks because it signifies a loss in pricing power for companies.
What is earnings base?
An earnings base, such as earnings per share (EPS) A valuation multiple, such as a P/E ratio. An owner of common stock has a claim on earnings, and earnings per share (EPS) is the owner's return on their investment. When you buy a stock, you are purchasing a proportional share of an entire future stream of earnings.
What drives stock prices?
Stock prices are driven by a variety of factors, but ultimately the price at any given moment is due to the supply and demand at that point in time in the market. Fundamental factors drive stock prices based on a company's earnings and profitability from producing and selling goods and services. Technical factors relate to a stock's price history ...
Why do you buy stock with a valuation multiple?
That's the reason for the valuation multiple: It is the price you are willing to pay for the future stream of earnings. 1:26.
What is discount rate?
The discount rate, which is used to calculate the present value of the future stream of earnings. A higher growth rate will earn the stock a higher multiple, but a higher discount rate will earn a lower multiple. What determines the discount rate? First, it is a function of perceived risk.
Where are stock prices determined?
Stock prices are determined in the marketplace, where seller supply meets buyer demand. But have you ever wondered about what drives the stock market—that is, what factors affect a stock's price? Unfortunately, there is no clean equation that tells us exactly how a stock price will behave.
What are the factors that affect stock price?
There are any number of short-term factors that can make a stock price swing faster than a failed lie detector test. The most common are: 1 Rumors and News – world, national, economic, or corporate, basically any rumors or news that directly or indirectly affect the company 2 Economic Climate – changes in the economy (interest rates, inflation, and policy) impact a company’s ability to earn money 3 Risk Changes – both the changes in real risk and the perceived risk will move prices 4 Analyst Outlook – some investors rely on analyst expectations and ratings which can change often 5 Index Changes – when an index like the S&P 500 adds and removes a stock, index funds follow suit 6 Taxes – changes in the tax code affect how people invest 7 Buyer/Seller – through reaction, behavior, and emotion
What is the effect of supply and demand on stock price?
For every stock transaction a buyer and seller gets together and agrees on a price. When there are more sellers than buyers, the price is pushed lower. Alternatively , when there are more buyers than sellers, the price moves higher.
What is the relationship between earnings and growth?
Earnings – the company’s ability to earn money drives its long-term success or failure. Growth – investors pay more for companies that grow earnings over time. The higher the growth rate, the more investors will pay. After all that, it’s hardly an exact science. Price is a function of earnings and growth.
What factors can make a stock price swing faster than a failed lie detector test?
The most common are: Economic Climate – changes in the economy (interest rates, inflation, and policy) impact a company’s ability to earn money.
What are the changes in the economy?
Economic Climate – changes in the economy (interest rates, inflation, and policy) impact a company’s ability to earn money. Risk Changes – both the changes in real risk and the perceived risk will move prices. Index Changes – when an index like the S&P 500 adds and removes a stock, index funds follow suit.
Is a long track record of increasing dividends a good sign?
Plus, a long track record of increasing dividends is a good sign and helps stabilize the stock price. While there are many short-term factors that affect stock prices, performance is the deciding factor.
What are the factors that determine the price of a stock?
One of the main business factors in determining a stock’s price is a company’s earnings, including the current earnings and estimated future earnings. News from the company and other national and world events also plays a large role in the direction of the stock market. Some examples of this are oil prices, inflation, and terrorist attacks.
Why is stock trading driven by psychology?
Stock trading is driven by psychology just as much as it is by business fundamentals, believe it or not. Fear and greed are the two of the strongest human emotions that affect the market. For example, it is easy to get caught in the trap of selling a stock prematurely because it dipped temporarily and fear set in.
How to predict stock price?
One of the most popular methods for helping predict a stock’s price, at least in the short term, is called Technical Analysis. This method involves looking for patterns or indicators in stock prices, volumes, moving averages, and many others, over time.
How do share prices work?
The stock market is open between certain times and only during these periods can trades be dealt.
What affects share prices?
Supply and demand factors that affect share prices include company news, economic and industry factors, as well as market sentiment and the weather. Demand pushes share prices up and when there are more sellers than buyers this affects share prices negatively.
Common reasons why share prices rise
The big reason for share price rises is due to ahead of consensus earnings profit surprises leading to earnings upgrades.
Managing stock market fluctuations
The best way to manage stock market fluctuations is to know what you own and why you own it.
What are the factors that affect the price of a stock?
The performance of the company in which you own stock is one of the major factors that affects price and one over which the company itself has the most control. Profitability, market share, stock price-to-earnings ratio and other financial data all illustrate how valuable a company is and how much investors are willing to pay for a share of it.
What factors influence stock prices?
1. Factors That Influence Stock Prices. 2. How Do Stock Prices Indicate Financial Health? 3. Relationship Between P/E Ratio & Stock Price. Investing in stock is among the most risky, and potentially profitable, things to do with your money. Stock prices are reflected in daily quotes as well as the ever-changing prices throughout the trading day. ...
How does a weak economy affect stock prices?
A weakening economy can bring down stock prices as investors are willing to risk less or businesses are unable to earn as much as they could under better conditions. Economic trends can be worldwide patterns or isolated to particular areas of the economy, such as the banking, housing, technology or retail sectors.
Why does stock price drop?
Likewise, when stock is readily available or investors see it as unlikely to gain much value, its price may drop . Investors' attitudes and confidence levels can affect stock price as much as any other factor, even if these beliefs are unsupported by hard economic data.
How does government policy affect stock prices?
Government Policies. Government agencies make decisions and pass laws that can affect business, which further impacts stock prices. Increased regulation that makes it more costly to do business can lead to a drop in stock prices for companies that are likely to be affected.
What is the role of investors in stock market?
Investors are the individuals who actually determine stock prices, and their beliefs and actions impact stock prices. Investors typically are willing to pay more for stock when it's in short supply or deemed likely to grow in value. Likewise, when stock is readily available or investors see it as unlikely to gain much value, its price may drop. Investors' attitudes and confidence levels can affect stock price as much as any other factor, even if these beliefs are unsupported by hard economic data.
What are the factors that affect the price of a company's stock?
Here are some company-specific factors that can affect the share price: news releases on earnings and profits, and future estimated earnings. announcement of dividends. introduction of a new product or a product recall. securing a new large contract.
Why do I buy more stocks?
If it looks like the economy is going to expand, stock prices may rise. Investors may buy more stocks thinking they will see future profits and higher stock prices. If the economic outlook is uncertain, investors may reduce their buying or start selling.
What is inflation in economics?
Inflation#N#Inflation A rise in the cost of goods and services over a set period of time. This means a dollar can buy fewer goods over time . In most cases, inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index. + read full definition#N#means higher consumer prices. This often slows sales and reduces profits. Higher prices will also often lead to higher interest rates. For example, the Bank of Canada may raise interest rates to slow down inflation. These changes will tend to bring down stock prices. Commodities however, may do better with inflation, so their prices may rise.
What is the difference between a bull market and a bear market?
It’s often tied to economic recovery or an economic boom, as well as investor optimism. Bear market A weak market where stock prices fall and investor confidence fades.
How does terrorism affect stock prices?
An act of terrorism can also lead to a downturn in economic activity and a fall in stock prices.
What causes the stock market to go up or down?
Investor sentiment or confidence can cause the market to go up or down, which can cause stock prices to rise or fall. The general direction that the stock market takes can affect the value of a stock: bull market – a strong stock market where stock prices are rising and investor confidence is growing.
Why did interest rates go down during the Great Depression?
Interest rates may be lowered to encourage people to borrow more. The goal is increased spending and economic activity. The Great Depression (1929-1939) was one of the worst periods of deflation.
What Are Earnings Reports?
Publicly traded companies are required to file financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a quarterly and annual basis. These reports serve as a biography of a company, listing important financial data that informs investors of the company's overall health and stability.
Why Are Earnings Important?
Earnings reports are important because they show the company's profitability and overall financial stability.
Why Do Market Expectations Matter?
Market expectations, as measured most commonly by analysts' eanings-per-share estimates, set the tone for how the company is likely to perform. If earnings results vary from these expectations, a stock's price can respond by moving up or down.
Can You Use Historical EarningsPerformance to Make Future Decisions?
Even though past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results, looking at a stock's historical earnings performance may help investors anticipate future market movements.
Takeaway
Earnings reports provide investors with a chance to judge a company's performance. These financial results can have a serious impact on the stock's price, resulting in volatility. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about a company's financial stability and understand why a stock's price changes directly as a result of its earnings.

Fundamental Factors
Technical Factors
- Things would be easier if only fundamental factors set stock prices. Technical factors are the mix of external conditions that alter the supply of and demand for a company's stock. Some of these indirectly affect fundamentals. For example, economic growthindirectly contributes to earnings growth. Technical factors include the following.
News
- While it is hard to quantify the impact of news or unexpected developments inside a company, industry, or the global economy, you can't argue that it does influence investor sentiment. The political situation, negotiations between countries or companies, product breakthroughs, mergers and acquisitions, and other unforeseen events can impact stocks and the stock market. Since s…
Market Sentiment
- Market sentiment refers to the psychology of market participants, individually and collectively. This is perhaps the most vexing category. Market sentiment is often subjective, biased, and obstinate. For example, you can make a solid judgment about a stock's future growth prospects, and the future may even confirm your projections, but in the meantime, the market may myopica…
The Bottom Line
- Different types of investors depend on different factors. Short-term investors and traders tend to incorporate and may even prioritize technical factors. Long-term investors prioritize fundamentals and recognize that technical factors play an important role. Investors who believe strongly in fundamentals can reconcile themselves to technical forces with the following popular argument…
Introduction
Bad News Or “Good” Bad News?
Analyst Recommendations
Round Numbers
- Stock market prices are affected by business fundamentals, company and world events, human psychology, and much more. Stock trading is driven by psychology just as much as it is by business fundamentals, believe it or not. Fear and greed are the two of the strongest human emotions that affect the market. For example, it is easy to get caught in the...
Technical Analysis
- This is usually good for the company and its stock price because expenses will be reduced significantly and quickly. This should help increase earnings right away. It is not always a major warning...
- This event often causes the stock price to go up for the same reasons as layoffs. However, this is not always the case. Closing stores actually requires a lot of money, and the positive e…
- This is usually good for the company and its stock price because expenses will be reduced significantly and quickly. This should help increase earnings right away. It is not always a major warning...
- This event often causes the stock price to go up for the same reasons as layoffs. However, this is not always the case. Closing stores actually requires a lot of money, and the positive effects of...
- This may sound very negative at first, but it does show that the company’s board of directors was bold enough to take drastic actions to help the company in the long run. The stock price could go u...
- Traders tend to frown upon corruption in the stock market. Mutual fund scandals that have o…