Risk assets broadly retreated in August, reversing course mid-month on the growing realization that elevated interest rates may be around longer than expected.

Risk assets rebounded in July as stocks rallied off recent bear market lows and bond yields ticked lower, boosted by better-than-expected second quarter earnings results and signs that the Federal Reserve could slow the pace of interest rate increases sooner than anticipated.

Investor sentiment soured in second quarter, leading to steep declines across nearly all asset classes. Global equities foundered as developed and emerging stocks alike fell into bear markets. Rising interest rates and deteriorating global economic growth prospects meant growth stocks trailed value, while large caps edged small caps. Aggressive monetary tightening and high inflation pressured government bond performance, while corporates lagged on rising credit spreads. Real assets also declined, with energy commodities being the lone exception among major asset classes as oil prices continued climbing. Against this backdrop, the US dollar appreciated to a 20-year high, euro performance was mixed, and UK sterling mostly weakened.

Risk assets continued their bumpy ride in May as investors attempted to discount a shifting economic narrative. Still, global equities posted only minor declines in local currency terms despite a meaningful increase in volatility. Value topped growth for the fourth time this year, while large caps outperformed small caps. Investment-grade bonds advanced as US Treasury yields mostly fell, whereas European government bond yields continued climbing across maturities. Commodities rose, driven by higher energy prices, while other real assets were mixed. The US dollar and UK sterling weakened, while the euro broadly gained on expectations of tighter monetary policy.

Investors found little respite in April, with most asset classes suffering steep losses.

Most global assets declined in first quarter.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves across the world, creating a tragic humanitarian and geopolitical crisis, and introducing new uncertainty to the global economy and financial markets. Investors also continue to grapple with ongoing inflationary risks, central bank policy changes, and COVID-19 developments.

Most global assets experienced broad-based declines in January. Global equities suffered their worst month since March 2020; emerging markets held up better than developed counterparts but remain a significant laggard over the trailing 12-month period. Value and large caps outperformed growth and small-cap equivalents, respectively. Fixed income assets declined as nominal interest rates rose and…

Risk assets surged in fourth quarter, capping off a year of impressive gains.

Risk assets sold off in November as pandemic-related developments introduced new uncertainties to the economic outlook.