Risk-on sentiment washed over markets in November as softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data strengthened investors’ belief that the Federal Funds rate had peaked, emboldening them to price in more aggressive interest rate cuts in 2024. Fed Funds futures now reflect four … Continued
Stocks and bonds sold off in October as strong economic data underscored expectations that interest rates will remain higher for longer. The U.S. economy expanded at a faster-than-expected pace, rising at an annualized rate of 4.9% in the third quarter, … Continued
September, 2023 This is a quarterly update on environmental, social and governance (ESG) actions of the UU Common Endowment of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The UUCEF currently holds about $250 million in investments on behalf of hundreds of UU organizations, … Continued
There was nowhere to hide in September as bonds and equities sold off amid market expectations of interest rates staying higher for longer; the optimism that rates will revert to under 3% sooner rather than later seemingly dissipated last month. … Continued
Global equities and bonds ended August in the red as concerns around economic growth in China and upward pressure on interest rates weighed on returns. The month started off on uncertain footing as Fitch Ratings downgraded the sovereign credit rating … Continued
Risk assets outperformed in July as better-than-expected economic data and moderating inflation bolstered expectations around a potential economic soft landing. The U.S. economy exceeded expectations, growing 2.4% in the second quarter, amid robust consumer spending and non-residential fixed investments. At … Continued
With the Federal Reserve opting to skip an interest rate hike and the slew of robust economic data, the U.S. economy continued to flex its muscles in June. Despite the Fed’s decision to forgo a rate hike in June while … Continued
June 30, 2023 Last week’s General Assembly was a meaningful yet challenging time for many Unitarian Universalists, including those of us on the Board of Trustees. While we were able to advance some significant priorities—including continuing the conversation about the … Continued
Global equities were mixed in May, with U.S. markets outperforming despite continued concerns around economic growth and the protracted negotiations on the debt ceiling. The S&P 500 Index ended the month up 0.4%, pushing year-to-date returns to 9.6%. These gains … Continued
At its meeting on March 24, 2023, the UUA Investment Committee unanimously voted to end future shareholder engagement with all Carbon Underground 200 (CU200) companies and to complete our divestment of directly-held CU200 companies subject to the completion of current … Continued