Emerging markets (EM) is one area we contine to like in 2018 as a place to pursue alpha. As we noted in our Outlook 2018: Return of the Business Cycle, this group has solid fundamentals, modest valuations, and an opportunistic demographic backdrop.
The country breakdown of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index shows that China is the largest component, followed by South Korea and Taiwan. Continue reading
Tomorrow will be the first Friday the 13th in April since 2012. The S&P 500 Index actually dropped 1.25% on that day, which ranks as the worst drop on any Friday the 13th going back 15 years!
Of course, this is also a big day if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from triskaidekaphobia—the fear of the number 13. In case it helps with your next game of Trivial Pursuit, a fear of the actual day of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. (Try pronouncing those words.)
But does this fateful day really mean anything? Continue reading
Weekly Performance
US: S&P 500 Index +2.12%, Dow +2.65%, Nasdaq +1.01%
Europe: STOXX Europe 600 +1.38%, German DAX +1.77%, France CAC 40 +1.41%, U.K. FTSE 100 +1.95%
Asia: Japan Nikkei +2.63%, China Shanghai Composite +.24%, Korea KOSPI +.81%
Rates/Commodities: 10-Year Treasury yield -7.4 basis points to 2.74%, WTI crude oil +5.51%, COMEX gold -1.63%
Global equities managed to end the week in positive territory, though volatility persisted as traders’ attention shifted from upbeat news on tariffs and trade to the potential for increased regulation in the technology sector. Continue reading
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” But that begs the question: Will it rain on the bulls this April?
First things first, the S&P 500 Index found support right on its upward trending 200-day moving average. That’s a step in the right direction for markets looking to form some type of bottom. Continue reading
Sector selection and yield curve positioning decisions are difficult in rising rate environments, but in this week’s Bond Market Perspectives, we took a look at how shorter-maturity fixed income may be a good place for suitable investors to play defense as it offers an attractive risk/reward profile. Continue reading
Inflation has been a key concern for markets after wage growth accelerated in the January employment report (released at the beginning of February), and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose more than expected. With February data now available, should investors be relieved or more anxious? Continue reading
Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution to extend government funding before the midnight deadline on February 8, though it passed a bill (very) early the following morning. So after a five-and-a-half hour closure, the shutdown ended. Continue reading