Risk assets pushed higher in August with encouraging economic data, still-accommodative monetary policy, and strong corporate earnings underpinning positive sentiment. Despite another month of robust returns, concerns loomed over the continued spread of the Delta variant, negatively impacting consumer sentiment … Continued
The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 6.5% in the second quarter, falling short of the consensus estimate of 8.5%. Safe-haven assets ended July higher as concerns over the spread of the Delta variant and slower-than-expected growth weighed … Continued
Equities continued their march upward in June as the ongoing vaccine rollout and improving economic data bolstered sentiment. U.S. equities led the way with the S&P 500 Index posting a 2.3% gain for the month. In an about turn from … Continued
Improving economic data and the ongoing vaccine rollout continued to bolster support for risk assets in May. Global equities pushed higher, with local markets outside the U.S. outperforming as they benefitted from a weaker U.S. dollar. The MSCI EAFE and … Continued
Global equities pushed higher in April as a relatively positive macroeconomic backdrop—progress with the vaccine roll-out, stronger-than-expected corporate earnings and ongoing stimulus tailwinds—bolstered market sentiment. In the U.S., the S&P 500 Index posted its third consecutive month of gains, adding … Continued
Global equities ended the first quarter in the black as ongoing inoculations and fresh fiscal stimulus in the U.S. provided a supportive environment for risk assets. Domestic equities outperformed their global counterparts with the S&P 500 Index increasing 4.4% in … Continued
Following the volatile month of January, U.S. equities got off to a strong start in February, bolstered by optimism around ongoing inoculations, improving COVID-19 trends, and the proposed stimulus plan. However, as the weeks progressed, continued upward pressure on interest … Continued
After a strong start to the year, developed market equities subsequently reversed course, ending January in the red. In the U.S., the S&P 500 Index fell 3.3% in the week ended January 29, pushing the monthly return into negative territory. … Continued
Global equities ended 2020 with a bang, adding to already sizable gains from earlier months, as positive news around COVID-19 vaccines and a fiscal stimulus plan bolstered sentiment. In the U.S., the S&P 500 Index increased 3.8% in December; small-cap … Continued
November was a momentous month as investors, emboldened by the results of the U.S. elections and the potential success of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, bid up equities. The twin prospects of a divided government resulting in the likelihood of a diminished … Continued