February 2019 Model Portfolio Review
The market rally that kicked off the year in January kept on rolling through February with nearly all asset classes ending the month higher. Investor’s appetite for risk remained strong with small and mid-cap stocks outperforming large caps. The Russell 2000 gained 5.2% and the S&P 500 rose by 3.2%. The trend held globally as the MSCI World Small Cap Index was up by 3.8%, outpacing the large...
Read MoreJanuary 2019 Model Portfolio Review
Markets came roaring back strong in January after what can charitably be best described as a horror show in December. The S&P/TSX Composite Index shot higher, gaining 8.74% with all sectors moving up with heavyweight financials and energy leading the way. The S&P 500 gained more than 8% in U.S. dollar terms, and the MSCI EAFE Index rose by 6.6%.
Read MoreDecember 2018 Model Portfolio Review
December was a volatile month for investors, which given the way the year played out was a very appropriate ending. 2018 was the year that market volatility returned with a vengeance, taking investors on a roller coaster ride that hasn’t been seen in a few years. In December, the S&P 500 fell by more than 9% in U.S. dollar terms, while the S&P/TSX Composite was down by 5.4%. In the U.S. Large caps outperformed the small and mid-cap stocks as the Russell 2000 fell by nearly 12%. European and Asian markets outperformed the U.S., falling by 4.6% and 4.7% respectively.
Read MoreNovember 2018 Model Portfolio Review
Despite global equity markets ending the month mostly higher, the volatility that too center stage in September and October was also very much in play in November. For example, the S&P 500 rose by more than 2%, yet the intra month swings were very pronounced. Peak to trough, the index fell more than 6.4% in the month. With worries over high rates, Brexit and trade wars front and center, markets struggled in the first three weeks of the month. That seemed to change as investor sentiment shifted in the last few days of the month as the U.S. and China appeared to have negotiated a temporary truce on trade, moving markets higher.
Read MoreOctober 2018 Model Portfolio Review
I will just come right out and say it. I hate October. Sure, the changing leaves make it a beautiful time of year to pack up the family and take a relaxing drive through the country, the NHL and NBA seasons kick off in earnest, and the Thanksgiving holiday gives us time to pause and reflect with friends and family about how grateful we are for all that we have. But, there is a dark side to the...
Read MoreAugust 2018 Portfolio Review
The dog days of summer were in full force in August as many traders took some down time. Market volumes and new issue activity were down, resulting in a mixed month on the markets. Canadian bond markets were mostly higher as yields eased. The FTSE/TMX Canada Universe Bond Index ended up 0.75%, with corporates outpacing governments on a slow new issue calendar and tight dealer inventories.
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