Markets in Brief: 2024 is starting the same way 2023 ended: with positive equity market performance. Questions remain around the durability of this rally, but positive economic momentum is keeping markets afloat for now. Meanwhile, bond markets are in a tug of war between expectations that the Fed will cut rates this year and the […]
Markets in Brief: The Santa Claus rally that started in October pushed up markets to end the year back at all-time highs. Better economic and corporate earnings outcomes during the year alongside slowing inflation and a pausing Fed hiking cycle all contributed to the amazing recovery in 2023 for equity markets relative to the dismal […]
Markets in Brief: November came as a welcomed reprieve for equity markets as most indices saw major positive performance. The momentum came from peak Fed policy and soft-landing narratives, on the back of strong seasonality or the “Santa Claus Effect.” Bond markets also rallied with confirmation that inflation continues to trend lower, providing a valuation […]
Markets in Brief: The devastating onset of war between Israel and Hamas is just another reminder of the growing geopolitical tension in the world, and how we can enter a period of instability with just a few strong actions from one or two parties. Now under the cloud of multiple wars in the region with […]
Markets in Brief: The market took another leg lower in September, which is typically one of the worst seasonal months of the year for markets as participants come back from summer and reposition into year-end. The headline of the month was surging yields, with the US 10yr yield at a 16-year-high. A variety of items […]
Markets in Brief: August saw a bumpy month for equity markets, but they ended only slightly lower after a rally in the last week of the month. After a surprisingly strong rally year-to-date, it appeared that investors needed a bit of a breather. The crosscurrents in the market remain complex: resilient consumer and corporate earnings […]
Markets in Brief: Equity markets continued their strong performance in July to the chagrin of the bears, with the Nasdaq up a whopping 36% YTD. The US rally, still led by Technology-sector companies, broadened out to more cyclically sensitive sectors (like industrials) as hopes for a soft landing continue to permeate among market participants. The […]
June saw another strong month of market performance despite tension between fears of further hikes by the Fed (and no imminent cuts as previously expected) and a healthy, still-growing economy.