February 2, 2023

January 2023 Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes January 2023 Performance Comparison Introduction January 2023 returns will be remembered by investors.  The S&P 500 Index was up +6.2% ,while the NASDAQ 100 index was up +10.6%.  Meanwhile, international markets clearly outperformed the US.  16 of 22 developed markets had stock market returns higher the S&P […]
January 1, 2023

December 2022 Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes December 2022 Performance Comparison Introduction December 2022 returns were negative across all asset classes.  The S&P 500 Index ended the year down -19.4%, yielding the 6th largest drawdown since 1930.  Meanwhile, the 30-year T-Bond fared much worse, losing -31.2%.  The large-cap energy sector (+64.3%) has been the […]
December 2, 2022

November 2022 Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes November 2022 Performance Comparison Introduction November 2022 equity market returns were strong in the US and were especially strong across international equity markets.  The relief rally that began in October benefited from revised expectations and confirmation that Fed rate increases would moderate.  For example, the S&P 500 […]
November 2, 2022

October Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes October 2022 Performance Comparison Introduction October returns benefited from a relief rally and expectations the pace of Fed rate increases might be  slowing.  For example, the S&P 500 index achieved a new low for the year at 3505, but then went on to post monthly gains close […]
October 2, 2022

September Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes September 2022 Performance Comparison Introduction September returns across the major asset classes were negative.  For example, the S&P 500 index achieved a new low for the year and three consecutive quarterly losses.  Returns in developed and emerging stock markets were also negative.  Both sectors fared even worse […]
September 2, 2022

August Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes August 2022 Performance Comparison Introduction August returns have been finalized and confirm the end of the summer rally.  Losses were evident across all major asset classes.  For example, US equity indexes were down and fared better than developing market indices, but trailed the performance of emerging market […]
August 27, 2022

Commitments of Traders Report 2022.08.23

Futures and Options Commitment of Traders Report July 19, 2022 Introduction Purpose The Commitments of Traders Report presents a weekly breakdown of the positions of hedge funds in futures and options markets. As a general rule, changes in hedge fund positions are positively correlated with changes in commodity market prices. […]
August 1, 2022

July Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes July 2022 Performance Comparison Introduction July returns for the S&P 500 index were positive for the second month this year.  In fact, we saw the best returns seen since April 2020.  Gains were evident across all major asset classes, though results varied by index.  For example, US […]
July 28, 2022

Commitments of Traders Report 2022.07.26

Futures and Options Commitment of Traders Report July 19, 2022 Introduction Purpose The Commitments of Traders Report presents a weekly breakdown of the positions of hedge funds in futures and options markets. As a general rule, changes in hedge fund positions are positively correlated with changes in commodity market prices. […]
July 20, 2022

Commitments of Traders Report 2022.07.19

Futures and Options Commitment of Traders Report July 19, 2022 Introduction Purpose The Commitments of Traders Report presents a weekly breakdown of the positions of hedge funds in futures and options markets. As a general rule, changes in hedge fund positions are positively correlated with changes in commodity market prices. […]