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U.S.-China trade tensions, potential Syria strike keep investors on edge

“In my opinion, these continued rounds of volatility illustrate the benefits of portfolio diversification,” Eibel said—“especially on these wild down days

Q1 earnings season: What could happen if expectations aren't met?

First-quarter earnings season is now officially underway, Eibel said, with a handful of major companies reporting their results on April 13. “The ones that have reported so far have beat expectations,” he noted. Eibel and the team of Russell investments strategists believe that overall, results from last quarter should be strong—perhaps to the tune of 15% year-over-year growth. Some analysts, he noted, are projecting growth as high of 20%.

“Overall, we believe the numbers from the first quarter will be pretty powerful,” Eibel said—“but if the all-around high expectations aren't met, more market volatility is possible.”

GDP vs. inflation: A looming puzzle for the Fed?