For the first time in nearly a decade, most major asset classes ended the year in negative territory.
While the global equity markets enjoyed one of their best years in 2017, 2018 offered a different story, bookended by early- and late-year volatility. The last week in December, for example, saw stocks attempt to rebound from the edge of bear market territory. According to Bloomberg data, it was the first time since May 2010 that the S&P 500 had posted such a large reversal.
This year told a tale of trade conflicts with China, the intensifying Mueller investigation, geopolitical tensions, government shutdowns and the possibility of slower economic growth amid higher interest rates. While we’ve seen some progress on trade talks with China, there are still contentious issues to be ironed out.
This is the first year in nearly a decade in which most major asset classes will end in negative territory, notes Peter Greenberger, director, Mutual Fund & 529 Plan Product Management. A particularly turbulent December brought almost daily gyrations, with the three major domestic indices ping-ponging between gains and losses.
Investment Strategy Quarterly 2019 Outlook
Members of our Investment Strategy Committee share their views on the markets, the economy and key themes that will impact investors in the coming months.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
