March 2026 brought a broad pullback across most asset classes to close out the first quarter. World Stocks fell -8.03% and U.S. Real Estate dropped -6.37%, while U.S. Stocks declined -4.93%. These losses pushed U.S. Stocks into negative territory for the year at -4.36%, while World Stocks held onto a slim +2.01% year-to-date gain despite […]
Category: Market Commentary
06
Apr
2026
04
Mar
2026
A Short History of Market-Moving Middle East Conflicts
Every generation of investors learns the same lesson the hard way: Middle East conflicts spike oil and spook stocks, and then markets do whatever they want. Monday’s price action was a textbook example. US and Israeli strikes on Iran sent oil up 13%, stocks down, and bonds up in the overnight session. By the close? […]
02
Mar
2026
Asset Class Scoreboard: February 2026
February 2026 delivered another broadly positive month, with the U.S. Real Estate leading all asset classes at +5.27% and World Stocks close behind at +5.19%. These gains pushed World Stocks’ year-to-date return to +10.91%, while U.S. Real Estate climbed to +7.87% through the first two months of the year. Managed Futures posted a strong +3.04% […]
09
Feb
2026
COMMODITIES AND WORLD STOCKS SURGE TO START 2026
January 2026 kicked off with strong performance across all asset classes, led by an impressive +10.49% gain in Commodities and +5.44% return for World Stocks. Managed Futures started the year with momentum, posting a solid +4.74% return for the month. This marked a continuation of strength from the end of 2025, where the strategy had […]
12
Jan
2026
WORLD STOCKS END 2025 STRONG WITH DECEMBER GAIN
As December 2025 came to a close, markets reflected a mixed performance across asset classes. World Stocks led the way, posting a +2.57% return for the month and solidifying their position as 2025’s top performer with an impressive +32.60% gain. Managed Futures finished strong with a +1.15% return in December, marking its fifth consecutive positive […]
05
Dec
2025
Markets Cool in November: Real Estate Takes the Lead
November 2025 saw modest movements across most asset classes, with U.S. Real Estate staging a notable comeback, gaining +2.37% after October’s decline. Despite the monthly gain, U.S. Real Estate remains up 5.75% for the year. Most asset classes posted small positive returns for the month. Bonds gained +0.60%, pushing their year-to-date return to 7.43%. Commodities […]
13
Nov
2025
When the Gales of November Come Early: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and Modern Maritime Trade with Sal Mercogliano
Set sail with maritime historian Sal Mercogliano as we dive deep into the enduring mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a legendary ship lost on the Great Lakes 50 years ago this week. From chilling tales of mariners’ lives and the critical role of iron ore trade, to the evolving challenges facing commercial shipping, this episode […]
04
Nov
2025
Markets Start Q4 Strong: Stocks Lead October Gains
October 2025 kicked off the fourth quarter with solid momentum across most asset classes. U.S. Stocks advanced+2.38% and World Stocks rose+2.06%. These gains pushed year-to-date returns to impressive levels, with U.S. Stocks up +17.38% and World Stocks leading all assets at +29.01%. Managed Futures posted their third consecutive monthly gain, rising +1.47% as they continued […]
02
Sep
2025
World stocks lead august surge: broad-based rally lifts most assets
August 2025 delivered strong performance across most asset classes, led by World Stocks with an impressive +4.12% gain. U.S. Stocks followed with a solid +2.05% return, while U.S. Real Estate posted a strong +2.91% gain for the month. Hedge Funds continued their positive momentum with a +1.51% return in August. Bonds also participated in the […]
21
Aug
2025
Common Diversification Misconceptions
“Diversification Limits Returns” Some investors believe that spreading investments across various assets, a practice known as diversification, necessarily reduces potential returns. Let’s examine this belief. Reality: The core purpose of diversification is not to maximize returns but to manage risk. [1][2] However, by mitigating losses during downturns, a diversified portfolio can achieve more consistent growth […]
