Global equity markets were pulled lower in August by concerns around an impending “tapering” of
accommodative monetary policy in the US, and fears of escalating conflict in Syria affecting global energy
supplies. Led downward by the shares of smaller companies, US stocks underperformed non-US equity,
reversing a trend that held for most of the year so far. Yields on US Treasuries continued to climb during the
month as investors priced in expectations of a less supportive Federal Reserve, with the 10-year note ending the
month at 2.78%, up more than 1% since the start of the year. While rising rates typically push bond prices down,
emerging market bonds issued in local currency fared the worst amid expectations of lower growth that are
fueling alarm about a possible balance of payment squeeze in a number of developing countries. Commodities –
led higher by spiking oil prices powered by unrest in the Middle East, and, renewed interest in gold as a hedge
against macro risks – were the best performing asset category in August.
It has been a difficult year for diversified investment portfolios: US stocks, by far, have been the best performing
asset category, while non-US developed market equities lagged. Treasuries, TIPS, bonds, commodities, and
emerging markets–equity and debt–are in the red so far this year. The historically volatile month of September
is unlikely to put investors at ease as we face a gamut of uncertainties, ranging from conflict in the Middle East
to a pivotal election in Germany, and a new stance by the Fed. We take this opportunity to remind investors that
allocations to a balanced set of risk exposures are the best way to be positioned for the long-term. In August,
diversification was somewhat rewarded, as US equities sold off more than any other category with the exception
of local currency emerging market debt. In addition, as we evaluate global markets, we recognize that emerging
economy stocks and bonds appear attractive on a valuation basis. While it has been painful to buy into these
markets amidst their decline so far this year, we recommend investors re-allocate to emerging stock and bond
markets on a measured basis over the coming months as we acknowledge the possibility of more volatility in the
near term. For investors with the ability to lock-up capital, we continue to see compelling opportunities in
private markets, particularly in strategies which replace traditional bank activities such as direct lending.