The price of a stock increases by 15% in January, then decreases by 5% in February. If the initial price was $200, what is the price at the end of February? - High Altitude Science
Stock Price Analysis: How a 15% Gain in January Followed by a 5% Loss in February Affects the Final Value
Stock Price Analysis: How a 15% Gain in January Followed by a 5% Loss in February Affects the Final Value
Understanding stock price movements is essential for investors tracking performance and making informed decisions. A recent case illustrates a common pattern: a stock that rises by 15% in January, then drops by 5% in February. For someone holding such a stock with an initial price of $200, knowing the final value can clarify what investment returns mean in mixed market conditions.
Let’s break down the sequence step by step:
Understanding the Context
-
Initial Stock Price:
$200 -
January Rise – 15% Increase:
Increase amount = 15% of $200 = 0.15 × 200 = $30
New price after increase = $200 + $30 = $230 -
February Decline – 5% Decrease:
Decrease amount = 5% of $230 = 0.05 × 230 = $11.50
Final price after decline = $230 − $11.50 = $218.50
Key Insights
Final Stock Price at End of February: $218.50
This means the stock rose slightly over the first month but ended up down only 1.88% overall (from $200 to $218.50) after a 5% correction in the next.
Why This Matters for Investors:
Even if a stock experiences volatility—gaining in one month and dropping the next—long-term returns often depend on the net effect. In this case, although the stock closed lower than its starting price after two months, a disciplined investor might still view it as a gain from the January high or wait for a recovery.
Conclusion:
Tracking both gains and losses is crucial. Even a modest 15% rise followed by a 5% dip results in a net positive return of $18.50 on a $200 investment, illustrating how markets reward completeness in price movement—not just absolute movement.
Stay informed. Analyze thoroughly. Invest wisely.
