US equities scaled new highs in December amid optimism around the economy. To this end, the S&P 500 returned 13.7% for the year and the Russell 2000 gained 4.9%. These advances came amid a slump in the rest of the … Continued
After a spike in volatility in October and a subsequent recovery, it was back to more of the same for US markets in November as many domestic equity indices scaled new highs. Conversely, 10-year government bond yields in many countries—Germany, … Continued
Markets experienced a turbulent ride in October but wound up in a familiar place by month end with domestic equities positive and Treasury yields lower. A wave of volatility spurred by global growth concerns permeated through markets – first felt … Continued
Over the course of this year we have noted that divergent global central banking policies will likely have a dramatic effect on the near term investment landscape. This notion was on display in September as the Federal Reserve appeared steadfast … Continued
Major asset classes mostly gained in August as volatility that crept into the marketplace in late July receded amid light late-summer trading. Global bond yields inched lower on the month, highlighted by German Bund 10-year yields hitting record lows at … Continued
Most asset classes finished in the red in July as volatility crept up at the end of the month to levels last seen in April. Global equities tumbled as escalating conflict around the globe overshadowed strong economic data in the … Continued
As we cross the half way mark for 2014, global equity markets are seemingly telling a familiar story. The MSCI World Index has clocked 15.7% in average annual returns over the past five years, placing 2014’s year-to-date gains of 6.2% … Continued
Global equities continued their steady march upward in May amid tame economic growth, subdued inflation, and historically low volatility among asset classes. Emerging market stocks led the way, with the MSCI EM Index up 3.5%. Domestic small cap stocks partially … Continued
Global stock markets posted strong gains in September as the Federal Reserve delayed plans to taper its accommodative monetary policy, tensions eased in the Middle East, and several emerging markets showed signs of stability. The S&P 500 climbed toward a … Continued
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, … Continued