Cruising Around – Stock Market Gains in Cruise Lines
Amid the ups and downs of this week’s uncertain stock market, one industry had made some positive headlines that have caught a lot of investors’ eyes: Cruise Lines. With the S&P 500 teeter-tottering against its previous yearly low of 3,636, the big three cruise line companies Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean made significant gains yesterday alongside the release of some interesting consumer data.
The Conference Board’s index of consumer confidence within the United States hit 108 this month, up from August’s 103.6. The Consumer Confidence Index, or CCI, is an indicator developed by monthly surveys that track consumer attitudes, spending, sentiment regarding the economy, and much more.
The increase from last month’s CCI seems to be quite fascinating considering the lasting, high American inflation. Regardless, the high CCI can reflect high consumer demand, which is the main driver in cruise line companies as they can now leverage this demand to set appealing prices. Although the stocks of cruise lines and even some airlines rose today, the broad indices didn’t seem to budge as investors may interpret a combination of high CCI and high-interest rates yielding a forecasted rise in consumer debt.
Want to learn how to invest? Download the Invstr app, where you can play Fantasy Finance and manage a virtual investment portfolio, or open a brokerage account and invest for real. Take our interactive investing course on Invstr Academy and become a better investor today!
I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.