Insights

January 2021 Market Review

All eyes remained on the pandemic and policy as the new year began. An anticipated post-holiday spike in Covid infections materialized and then began to abate by midmonth. Democratic victories in Georgia increased the likelihood of additional stimulus. With positive economic releases early in the month, "risk-on" remained the preferred trade.

January 2021 Market Review

All eyes remained on the pandemic and policy as the new year began. An anticipated post-holiday spike in Covid infections materialied and then began to abate by midmonth. Democratic victories in Georgie increased the likelihood of additional stimulus. With positive economic releases early in the month, "risk-on" remained the preferred trade.

December 2020 Market Review

The challenge in writing periodic market commentaries is often to make interesting what was essentially more of the same. Not a problem for 2020. It is difficult to overstate how extraordinary the year was. A pandemic, remote conferencing technology, and government economic policies created a sea of change that will be felt for years to come. 

December 2020 Market Review

The challenge in writing periodic market commentaries is often to make interesting what was essentially more of the same. Not a problem for 2020. It is difficult to overstate how extraordinary the year was. A pandemic, remote conferencing technology, and government economic policies created a sea of change that will be felt for years to come. 

 

November 2020 Market Review

The risk-on market continued largely unabated in November, sometimes bolstered by positive news and sometimes despite negative headlines. Perhaps most important to markets was the announcement of significant progress on Covid vaccines. 

October 2020 Market Review

The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield had its biggest move in months, rising 20 basis points (bps) to 0.84%.  Likewise, the 30-year bond yield jumped by 18 bps to 1.64%. With short rates anchored at very low rates, the 2- to 30-year yield curve slope steepened by 15 bps.

September 2020 Market Review

During the summer months, the economy found its Covid-era footing. The nation, and indeed much of the world, learned to co-exist with the pandemic as infection rates declined from early peak and progress occurred in testing and vaccine development. Some segments of the economy were able to re-open at least partially, while others remain under siege. Virus-induced changes in lifestyles have created some economic winners – used car sales, suburban single-family housing, and online retail among them.

August 2020 Market Review

Short rates moved up modestly, and longer rates rose more significantly during August, producing negative total returns for Treasuries. The 5- to 30-year yield curve slope steepened by 22 basis points (bps).

July 2020 Market Review
Despite already low levels, U.S Treasury yields fell across the yield curve during July. Long rates fell the most, resulting in a flattening of the curve. TIPS break-even levels rose, as investors judged valuations as attractive given future inflation expectations. 
 
 
June 2020 Market Review

Let’s flash back to March 31 of this year. The planet is in the midst of a highly infectious and dangerous pandemic. Much of the world essentially closes, with the potential for Great Depression era economic statistics to be matched if not surpassed. Yet central banks have sprung into action, with the U.S. Federal Reserve taking the lead in providing liquidity and support to the markets. 

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