Asset returns were mixed in January as better-than-expected economic returns and a hawkish Federal Reserve weighed on markets. The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 3.3% in the fourth quarter fueled by strong consumer spending. Spending data released … Continued
On the heels of a Fed pivot, bonds and equities rallied in December to finish the year strong. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell appeared dovish during the Federal Reserve meeting last month, which was all markets needed to fuel a Santa … Continued
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