Major Asset Classes December 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction December returns for the S&P 500 index (-2.7%) were down, but lead global markets by a wide margin for the year (+23.3%). US government bonds (-1.7%) were also down in December, struggling to stay positive in 2024, but ending the year with modest […]

Major Asset Classes November 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction November returns for the S&P 500 index (+5.7%) were the strongest of the year, benefiting from a post-election rally. Government tax reform, deregulation, and improvements in government efficiencies launched the S&P 600 Small Cap index (+11.1%), while the 20Y+ Government Bond (+2.0%) […]

Major Asset Classes September 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction September returns for the S&P 500 index began with a price correction of -4.8% and then rallied back to gain +2.0% for the month, as inflation continued to stabilize and given a jumbo rate cut of 0.5% by the Fed.  Moreover, analysts’ […]

Major Asset Classes August 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction August returns for the benchmark S&P 500 index (+2.3%) benefited from optimism regarding a ‘soft landing’ and encouraging inflation data. More astounding, US large-cap stocks recovered from a sharp drawdown at the start of the month, with a dramatic shift from risk-off […]

Major Asset Classes June 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction June 2024 returns for the benchmark S&P 500 index (+3.50%) deflected concerns about inflation, market breadth, government debt levels, and large bond auctions by the U.S. Treasury. The index is now up +14.5% year-to-date and the United States continues to have the […]

Major Asset Classes April 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction April 2024 returns for the S&P 500 index (-4.2%) were negative after five straight months of gains.  The end of March sent clear ‘risk-off’ signals.  Market conditions included a spike in 10Y yields and the cost of risk insurance (e.g. VIX index), […]