European banks have done so well for so long that the expectations are very high in a climate where targets are getting harder to meet. |
Interest rates matter and there are concerns about the economy. These things make the market more hesitant. Growth is evening out and markets are coming to grips with that. |
The oil rise benefits energy stocks, shares are fairly valued and we expect decent earnings this year. |
The possibility of rising interest rates worries investors. For many companies there is a direct effect on their earnings and stocks can also become less attractive to bonds. |
There are some big concerns about the U.S. economy and the stock market will struggle a bit. Interest rates do matter. |