The FIFA World Cup in Brazil is gaining momentum. Of course, such a huge international sports event could not pass unheeded for financial markets. Trading floors respond to victories and defeats of the football teams with quotes fluctuations. Experts note the winners have stronger influence on the market. In an analysis of the last four decades of World Cups Goldman Sachs examined interrelation between the world greatest football tournament and stock markets. According to the the study, stock indexes of a country the team of which wins would rise 3.5% in the month after the competition. Certainly, it is significant growth; however, it is a short-term dynamic. Gradually, enthusiasm of fans goes down and by the end of the year the market of champions lose 4%. Experts recommend taking the opportunity now, as the figures are proved to be true – the tendency has been the same since 1974. One exception that proves the rule is Brazil in 2002. It was only once when the rule misfired. Then Brazil’s victory was overshadowed by a deep recession. The Bovespa Index had been falling before the tournament and after it. At the same time, silver medals bring their countries not only the pain of disappointment but also problems on financial markets. The researchers unveiled in the month following the World Cup the market gains about 2%. However, here was one abnormal case too. Argentina's market jumped 33% in 1990 after the country's team occupied the second place. But the best gainer is the country which hosts the World Cup – the average growth of its market is 2.7% usually.
