Equity market performance was muted in April given high valuations and weak earnings growth, while bonds rallied despite generally positive macro data; commodities and real estate continued their rebound after a disappointing 2013. Markets again confounded the consensus in April, as equities struggled to keep pace with fixed income assets. Investors across all markets had…
Developed markets equities generated modest returns in the first quarter, taking a breather after a strong 2013. Fixed income markets benefited from softer economic data and dovish signals from developed markets central bankers. Investor outflows and a stable yen weighed on Japanese stocks; emerging markets assets were surprisingly resilient despite ongoing worries about a Chinese…
Equity markets sold off in January as investors fretted over emerging markets growth and digested 2013’s performance; safe-haven assets such as U.S. Treasuries and gold fared better and recouped some of their recent losses. Major global equity markets began the year on a decidedly downbeat note, posting their first across-the-board January declines since 2010. A…