Despite Commodities Surge, July Returns Fail to Excite Most investors were hoping for fireworks in July, however, returns this month largely fell flat, with a few exceptions. The bright spot was commodities, as measured by the GSG ETF. The index surged +10.83% in July, its best month this year. Crude oil prices rose […]
Category: Market Commentary
03
Aug
2023
12
Jul
2023
Asset Class Scoreboard: June 2023
In June, most asset classes delivered gains: U.S. stocks soared – S&P 500 up 6.48% fueled by economic optimism. World stocks rose 4.63% on brightening global growth outlook. Real estate returned 5.73% due to low rates and economic reopening. Bonds were flat – total bond market down 0.22% as investors favored stocks. Commodities gained – […]
05
Jun
2023
Asset Class Scoreboard: May 2023
While most major asset classes struggled in May, U.S. stocks managed to eke out small gains, driven by strength in large tech companies. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Hedge funds and bonds both posted small losses for the month. Hedge funds returned -0.65% while bonds declined 1.16% according to the data. Despite […]
15
May
2023
MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE: APRIL
The focus of the April market action was similar to March, and all eyes were on monetary policy. Would the layoffs and banking issues constitute enough pain for the Fed to alter course in trying to control inflation? Stock and bonds mostly went sideways. Commodities were mixed with choppy market action, with the exception of […]
26
Apr
2023
Helping money managers develop understanding in China
Z-Ben Advisors’ recent rankings of the top firms engaging China provide invaluable insights into this crucial market. As China rises, Z-Ben helps money managers develop an actionable understanding of China’s dynamics, cutting through the hype. Says Z-Ben’s MD, “For most global players, the excitement of China as an opportunity now matches the hassle of getting […]
18
Apr
2023
Mutual Fund Performance: March
The Ides of March came this year with some volatility. All eyes were on the banking crisis as the Fed effectively bailed out two notable US banks, and Credit Suisse was forced to merge with UBS. Bond volatility spiked considerably, hurting some strategies and providing an opportunity for others. Anyone still short bond prices took […]
04
Apr
2023
Asset Class Scoreboard: March 2023
Risk On! March continued the one-month-on, one-month off pattern seen so far in this young year, with nearly stocks and bonds bouncing back from Feb losses with March gains. The big story was managed futures with a big down month driven by the sharp rise in bond prices (lower rates) in March around the Silicon […]
14
Mar
2023
OUCH! A massive Bond Reversal hits Trend
So anyone watching CNBC or picking up the WSJ has heard of Silicon Valley Bank by now. The failed startup bank which caused the Fed to step in and sort of guarantee deposits across all regional banks. But while all that real world, actual customers and their bank deposits stuff were going on – here […]
14
Mar
2023
Mutual Fund performance: February
February gave back some of the optimism in January. The markets continued to pay attention to point/counter-point of economic data and the Fed as if it was a lame televised political debate. The sentiment indicates more rate hikes are coming. Stocks and bonds were down most of the month (VOL up mildly). Predictably, the dollar […]
07
Mar
2023
Asset Class Scoreboard: February 2023
Most assets took a tumble in February, as the everything rally from January to start off the year took a bit of a breather – as stocks and bonds resumed their 2022 look with both seeing losses at the same time. Elsewhere, U.S. Real estate took the biggest fall, although most have remained out of […]
