U.S. Performance Dashboard – April 2020
After March's carnage, U.S. equities roared back in April, driven by fiscal stimulus and the apparent slowing of the spread of COVID-19. The S&P 500® gained by 13%, the best monthly performance since January 1987. In a reversal from the recent past, mid-caps performed even better, with the S&P MidCap 400® up 14%. While still relatively high, volatility calmed, with the VIX® closing the month at 34.15. International markets also recovered, with the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI and [...]
U.S. Performance Dashboard – March 2020
Global markets in Q1 were devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. equities posted their worst quarter since 2008, with the S&P 500® down 20%; smaller-caps performed even worse, with the S&P MidCap 400® and the S&P SmallCap 600® down 30% and 33%, respectively. Volatility rose, with the VIX® closing at a record high of 82.69 on March 16th. International markets were not spared, with the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI and S&P Emerging BMI down 24% and 25%, respectively. [...]
Epidemics and Stock Market Performance
Clients and Friends: Our firm is busy monitoring the current market conditions, events and client accounts. Here is a brief overview of recent events: Last week was one for the history books. Tuesday: the highest percentage gain for the Dow since 1933. Thursday: record new unemployment benefit claims of 3.3 million—doubling some estimates. In the end, the Dow finished the week in the green. Dow Jones Industrial Average* Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday The [...]
Manic Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
I’d like to share today’s insights from Schwab Chief Investment Strategist Liz Ann Sonders in response to the economic implications of COVID-19 and the recent crash in oil prices: Manic Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday). I hope these insights help you navigate the current market volatility. Please reach out with questions or for more information.
Dimensional Reduces US Mutual Fund Management Fees
A Core principle of the Park + Elm’s Investment Strategy is investing efficiently, and adding value by analyzing and reducing portfolio expenses. We focus on partnering with firms that value those same principles, in order to deliver a cost efficient, research based portfolio for our clients. We are thankful to be partners with a well-respected organization that recently announced fee reductions. As a fiduciary, we continuously analyze the cost of building a portfolio, and work with [...]
