Major Asset Classes February 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction February 2024 returns marked the fourth straight month of positive stock market gains.  Once again, concentrated equity portfolios with the largest companies outperformed index benchmarks.  However, the market’s true strength lies with those sectors that are now outperforming Technology shares, notably small […]

Major Asset Classes January 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction January 2024 market returns saw the return of Commodities as the top asset group.  In other markets, US stocks beat international markets, corporate bonds marginally outperformed Treasuries, and the US Dollar outpaced all other currencies.  January was also unique as the SEC […]

Major Asset Classes December 2023 Performance Comparison Introduction Stocks Investors have a lot to cheer given that December 2023 market returns made for a positive month, quarter, and year.  The S&P 500 index rallied +4.4% in December, finishing the year up +24.2%.  Key drivers include high US GDP growth, better-than-expected […]

Major Asset Classes November 2023 Performance Comparison Introduction November 2023 market returns were broadly positive.  Stocks and fixed income assets had their best performance month of the year.  For example, the S&P 500 index (+8.9%) and the NASDAQ100 Index (+10.8%) benefited from an improved rate outlook, a strong GDP trend, […]

Major Asset Classes October 2023 Performance Comparison Introduction Strong GDP growth in the third quarter is the backdrop for October 2023 market returns.  Still, the U.S. equity markets fell last month, the third monthly loss in a row. Meanwhile, key drivers included mixed third quarter earnings results, surging long-dated yields, […]

Major Asset Classes September 2023 Performance Comparison Introduction September 2023 returns were negative across many asset groups. U.S. equities declined two months in a row for their first quarterly decline since Q3 2022. In addition, rates on long bonds posted their biggest quarterly advance since 2009.  In response, the US […]