Investment
MarketWatch

How to read stock-market forecasts like a pro — without getting steered in the wrong direction

Why This Matters

Evaluate a forecaster’s credibility before buying in — and don’t mistake anecdotes for data.

June 28, 2025
02:48 PM
2 min read
AI Enhanced

Advanced ➔ Results FA CenterHow to read stock-market forecasts a — without getting steered in the wrong directionEvaluate a forecaster’s credibility before buying in — and don’t mistake anecdotes for dataLast d: June 28, 2025 at 10:48 a.

ETFirst Published: June 25, 2025 at 8:05 a. ETResizeListen(5 min) Photo: Getty ImagesAs a consumer of financial news, you may notice that much of the content is forward-looking.

It’s a mix of forecasts, predictions and warnings. Almost everyone seems to have a crystal ball.

Some forecasters, whether financial analysts or media pundits, brand themselves as contrarians, visionaries or number-crunchers. They issue nouncements oracles who see what others don’t.

The Author Morey StettnerMorey Stettner is a personal-finance columnist for MarketWatch. He is the author of "Skills for New Managers” (McGraw-Hill) and other books.

Show Conversation (0)Back To TopCopyright © 2025 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use DPrivacy NoticeCookie Notice MarketWatchCustomer Center UsNewsroom RosterVirtual Stock ExchangeMarketWatch GuidesCopyright PolicyManage NotificationsCancel My SubscriptionCompanyDow JonesCode of ConductCorrectionsRes & LicensingDigital Self ServiceYour Ad ChoicesCorporate SubscriptionsAccessibilityDow Jones NetworkThe Wall Street JournalBarron'sInvestor's DailyBigChartsFinancial News Londonrealtor.

ComMansion GlobalDow Jones Smart MoneyIntraday Data vided by FACTSET and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data vided by FACTSET. All quotes are in local exchange time.

Real-time last sale data for U. Stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.

FinancialBooklet Analysis

AI-powered insights based on this specific article

Key Insights

  • Financial sector news can impact lending conditions and capital availability for businesses
  • Consumer sector trends provide insights into economic health and discretionary spending patterns

Questions to Consider

  • Could this financial sector news affect lending conditions and capital availability?
  • What does this consumer sector news reveal about economic health and spending patterns?

Stay Ahead of the Market

Get weekly insights into market shifts, investment opportunities, and financial analysis delivered to your inbox.

No spam, unsubscribe anytime