Market Perspectives

4th Quarter 2012   Markets Domestic equity indices were down modestly for the quarter with the Dow down 2.5%, the S&P 1%, and the NASDAQ 3.1%.  However, for the year, domestic equity markets were up nicely with the Dow 7.3%, the S&P 13.4%, and the NASDAQ 15.9%.  For globally diversified equity investors, the news was even more favorable.  The MSCI’s European Index wa ...

3rd Quarter 2012   In a period of looming macroeconomic risks and great investor uncertainty the quarter resulted in solid gains in most global equity markets.  The Dow was up 4.3%, the S&P 500 5.8% and the NASDAQ 6.2% for the quarter.  Year-to-date the Dow was up 10%, the S&P 14.5% and the NASDAQ 19.6%.  The news internationally was encouraging though mixed with Euro ...

2nd Quarter 2012   The slowdown in global economic activity and heightened macroeconomic risks were reflected in negative equity returns for the quarter.  The Dow fell 3%, the S&P 500 3%, and the NASDAQ 5%.  International equities were even more affected by the downturn with the MSCI EAFE dropping 7% and the MSCI Emerging nearly 9%.  The flight to quality resulted in posi ...

1st Quarter 2012   Equity investing was a solid bet in the quarter.  The Dow rose 8%, the S&P 500 13% and Nasdaq 19%.  International equities also rebounded nicely from the prior quarter.  Europe and Pacific indices were up roughly 11% while the Nikkei 225 posted a remarkable 19%.  Bond indices were mixed, with the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index flat and long term ...