Commodity prices rose to start the new year, with the GSG index gaining a solid +4.39%, supported by tight supply conditions and manufacturing activity. Elsewhere, most assets pulled back as investors adapted to a higher rate of uncertainty globally. U.S. equities exhibited relative resilience, with the S&P climbing +1.59% after 2023 saw mild gains. By […]
Category: Market Commentary
13
Feb
2024
17
Jan
2024
Asset Class Scoreboard: December 2023
In reflecting upon 2023’s performance results across asset classes, it is apparent this year posed considerable challenges for capital markets amidst the ongoing macroeconomic transition. Persistent inflationary pressures and central bank tightening created headwinds for many segments throughout the period. While equities maintained respectable full-year gains, considerable monthly volatility was witnessed as geopolitical and economic […]
07
Dec
2023
Asset Class Performance: NOV 2023
BOOM! And here we go – quite a change this November as we saw several asset classes book gains as easing inflation pressures lifted investor sentiment. Real estate investment trusts powered ahead by 12.29%, signaling strength in the property sector. Domestic stocks also shot up 9.13%, while developed international markets rose 8.28%, demonstrating a renewed […]
08
Nov
2023
Asset Class Scoreboard: October 2023
October’s performance results underscored the challenging economic shrinking in the current economy. With inflation persisting and the central bank’s aggressive rate hike, most asset classes suffered declines against this uncertain backdrop, closing this 3rd quarter. Commodities retreated -3.91% as recessionary concerns weighed on industrial materials and energy prices from their summer highs. Equities also corrected, […]
03
Aug
2023
Asset Class Scoreboard: JULY 2023
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 […]
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 […]
