October Monthly Commentary
Global equities racked up fresh gains in October amid positive economic signals across the globe. At home, the S&P 500 Index was up 2.3% as unemployment fell to 4.2%, the lowest it’s been since 2001, and third-quarter GDP estimates exceeded expectations at 3.0%. Outside the United States, the MSCI EAFE Index returned 1.5%, driven by a […]
September Monthly Commentary
Global stocks continued their march upward in September with gains of 1.9%, according to the MSCI ACWI Index. At home, the S&P 500 Index was up 2.1%, bested by the Russell 2000 which gained 6.0%. Most emerging currencies weakened against the dollar, as the Fed reaffirmed its commitment to raising rates gradually and starting to […]
August Monthly Commentary
Global equities closed out August in the black with emerging markets continuing to lead the charge. The MSCI EM Index increased 2.2%, bolstered by a weak dollar and positive economic data out of China. With nine consecutive months of gains under its belt, the benchmark has returned 28.3% so far this year. At home, the […]
July Monthly Commentary
Global equities got another solid month under their belt with emerging markets still leading the way in July. The MSCI EM Index gained 6.0% and was bolstered by dovish comments from the Federal Reserve. Non-US developed market stocks were in the black at 2.9%, according to the MSCI EAFE Index, amid a growth recovery in […]
June Monthly Commentary
Global equities were modestly up in June with the MSCI ACWI Index returning 0.5%. At home, small-cap stocks bested large-cap equities with the S&P 500 Index gaining 0.6% and the Russell 2000 Index returning 3.5%. In Europe, stocks sold off as the European Central Bank hinted it may slow down its quantitative easing program as […]
May Monthly Commentary
Global equities forged ahead in May with international stocks continuing to lead the way. The MSCI EAFE Index returned 3.7% on the month as investors took comfort in the victory of centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential elections. Emerging market equities posted their fifth consecutive monthly gain with the MSCI EM Index rising […]
April Monthly Commentary
Global Bonds Citi World Gov’t 1.3% 2.9 -3.6 -1.1 -0.6 Global equities continued their steady march upwards in April, driven by a positive uptick in economic indicators and moderating geopolitical concerns. Non-US stocks led the charge with international developed equities posting gains of 2.5%, propelled by a late-month rally in Europe as investors took […]
March Monthly Commentary
US equities went out like a lamb in March after coming in like a lion at the beginning of the year. Domestic stocks fell broadly in the aftermath of the GOP’s failure to repeal and replace Obamacare as investors questioned the likelihood and efficacy of future tax reforms in light of the ongoing political gridlock. […]
February Monthly Commentary
Global equities rallied in February as international stocks got a boost from positive economic data and domestic equities were bolstered by expectations of corporate tax reform and deregulation. The S&P 500 returned 4.0% as major US indices hit record highs following President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress as investors interpreted a more […]
January Monthly Commentary
Emerging market stocks took the lead in January, bolstered by a strong showing of currencies, including the Brazilian real, Mexican peso and the South African rand. The MSCI Emerging Market Index gained 5.5% on the month. At home, the S&P 500 eked out returns of 1.9% as strong earnings from the major technology companies offset […]