US equity returns were modestly positive in May as investors digested mostly lukewarm economic data. The S&P 500 returned 1.8% and the Russell 2000 gained 2.3% on the month. The month began with investors speculating the Federal Open Market Committee might … Continued
Global markets were calmer in April following a volatile first quarter amid easing concerns of a sharp economic slowdown in China and as the Federal Reserve reconfirmed a gradual pace to increasing interest rates. The S&P 500 gained 0.4% while … Continued
Following a rocky start to the first quarter, stocks rallied in March as global currencies strengthened versus the dollar amid renewed investor confidence, and commodity prices showed signs of stabilization. Emerging market equities led the charge with the MSCI EM … Continued
Global equities recorded modest losses in February as mixed economic data gave investors pause on the heels of January’s sharp drawdown. The S&P 500 was nearly flat, losing 0.1%, as concerns around slowing global growth trumped positive data on US … Continued
Equities started the year sharply lower as investors shunned risk amid concerns of a global slowdown in growth. The continued weakness in oil prices added to this risk aversion as oil hit a decade low of $26 before ending the … Continued
Global equities ended 2015 with a whimper as investors stayed on the sidelines while central banks in Europe and the US provided guidance on monetary policy. At home, the Federal Reserve raised rates, putting its target rate from 25-to-50 basis … Continued
Global equities were subdued in November amid tempered investor sentiment on the heels of October’s bounce back from third quarter losses. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% as positive economic data not only provided a supportive backdrop, but also increased the likelihood the … Continued
Global equities roared back in October, mostly erasing September’s losses amid declining volatility and continued monetary accommodation from the major central banks. The S&P 500 gained 8.4% on the month as global easing provided a supportive backdrop for equities, even … Continued
Global equities were mostly negative in September as continuing growth concerns in China permeated markets and worried investors and central bankers alike. In the US, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) elected not to raise its target interest rate. As … Continued
August was a difficult month as China’s surprise devaluation of the yuan fueled concerns around global growth and unleashed a wave of volatility, sparing few asset classes. For instance, the MSCI EM Index fell 9% as emerging market equities—especially China’s … Continued