Market Matters: August 31, 2023
Most asset classes declined in August as higher bond yields and mixed economic signals weighed on risk appetite.
Most asset classes declined in August as higher bond yields and mixed economic signals weighed on risk appetite.
Risk assets enjoyed mostly positive returns in fiscal year 2023. Equities rebounded as fears over the severity of a possible recession moderated. Emerging markets equities lagged developed markets as the pace of reopening in China disappointed. Bond performance improved as credit assets posted positive returns but developed markets sovereign bonds struggled. Real assets suffered due to higher interest rates and slowing demand.
Risk assets rallied in July as slowing inflation and pockets of economic resilience supported performance.
Consistently revisiting potential liquidity risk is important work for family investors. To manage liquidity risk, families should employ best practices, monitoring illiquid investments, spending needs, and currency considerations. By doing so, they can guard against unanticipated stressors and remain on track to achieve their investment goals.
Performance was mixed in second quarter as several crosscurrents painted an uncertain outlook.
Risk assets generally declined in May, with real assets posting the lowest returns across broad categories.
The 2022 Emerging Markets edition of our annual report on the history of financial markets provides context for the range of returns investors can expect from equities, bonds, and cash; reveals the importance of various components of equity returns; examines the evidence for equity mean reversion; and reviews the relationship between initial valuations and subsequent returns for equities and bonds.
No, we expect that while the US dollar should decline from its current elevated level over the medium term, there are factors that will continue to provide it with support in the short term. If our expectations are met, later this year or early next year should be an opportune time to consider positioning portfolios to benefit from a weaker dollar.
This publication presents manager performance for 37 asset classes and substrategies, showing the median, mean, and key percentiles of return. Relevant indexes for each asset class are also included to provide market context.
Risk assets generally advanced in April.