Equities

Review of Market Performance: Fiscal Year 2026

The commodity supply shock mildly slowed global growth, though the effects varied by region. Even so, global equities posted another strong fiscal year across a broad set of markets. The US dollar appreciated modestly, with the United States remaining relatively insulated from developments in the Middle East. Bond returns lagged as inflation pressures resurfaced, while real assets performed strongly as the supply shock intensified and demand tied to AI buildout continued to strengthen.

Has Quality Lost Its Edge?

No. The medium-term case for holding quality remains sound, backed by healthy fundamentals, reasonable relative valuations, and quality’s diversifying properties, even if the current cyclical environment is not yet fully supportive.