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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreDuring 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.
Read moreShort 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).
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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.