Benzinga - by Zaheer Anwari, Benzinga Contributor.
- Mastercard has revised its 2024 financial forecast amid economic uncertainties.
- The company's stock has experienced volatility, declining by 10%.
- The first-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, suggesting continued financial resilience.
Now, it's adjusting those sights to a more conservative figure at the lower end of the spectrum. It appears the economic uncertainties are urging a more cautious approach. This comes at a time when Mastercard's stock performance is displaying volatility.
After a 14% increase from the start of the year through to March, the stock hit a bump and is now 10% down from its all-time high. This change in momentum, from bullish to bearish, mirrors a broader market trend, with the S&P 500 also experiencing a dip.
Looking back, Mastercard's stock has seen an astounding 472% increase over the past decade, painting a picture of strong long-term growth. However, between April 2021 and August 2023, the stock's journey saw it oscillating between $277 and $400 before it broke above resistance and soared to record highs.
This was followed by a 6% decrease in April, signaling perhaps the beginning of a short-term bearish phase. The stock's performance for the start of May is indicating a corrective period is still in play. The $428 level is a key support level as it was the high of 2023, which could dictate the stock's next level of support if it continues to decline.
Despite the volatile stock performance, Mastercard's first-quarter earnings beat expectations, achieving $3.31 per share against the predicted $3.24. Nevertheless, this positive news hasn't fully alleviated market concerns as the stock's price is down.
Investors will need to maintain patience, watching for indicators of market stabilization or a revival of Mastercard's historically upward trajectory.
After the closing bell on Wednesday, May 1, the stock closed at $5018.40, trading down by 0.34%.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
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