Markets have rallied to start the second half of the year. US small-cap and large-cap stocks led the way, followed by international stocks. Bonds are also higher, but have trailed on a relative basis. Since the beginning of the year, bonds are down the least, while stocks are still down double digits.
Markets have continued to decline through the end of June. Overall, bonds have held up best, while all stocks categories have fared poorly. Since the beginning of the year, all four asset classes are down double digits, and all stock asset classes are in bear markets.
So far in June, markets have continued to decline. Overall, bonds have held up best, while all stocks categories have fared poorly. Since the beginning of the year, all four asset classes are down double digits, and all stock asset classes are deep into correction territory.
Market volatility continued in May, but stocks began to rally toward the end of the month. Overall for the month, US large and small stocks ended up relatively unchanged, while bonds and international stocks increased. During the year, while both bonds and stocks have decreased, bonds and international stocks have outperformed US large and small caps.
April was another volatile month in financial markets. All asset classes declined, with bonds down the least. International stocks outperformed other stocks, but not by much. So far this year, both bonds and stocks have decreased, and including April’s declines, stocks have gone down more than bonds.
March was a volatile month with mixed results for financial markets. US large cap stocks outperformed, while small cap and international stocks also increased. Bonds, however, continued to decline. So far this year, all markets have declined, with bonds and stocks down similar amounts.
February was another weak month for financial markets. US small cap stocks were the only category to make gains. US large cap stocks declined the most, while bonds and international stocks also lost value. So far this year, all four categories are down, but international stocks and bonds have outperformed.
Financial markets have struggled out of the gate this year. US small cap stocks fared the worst; US large cap and international stocks also lost ground. Bonds have also declined, but are the best performer, relatively speaking.
Many investors want more out of their investments than just a good return. They want to know that the companies they invest in are ethical and responsible — that they build environmentally sustainable business models, advance a social good and operate in a transparent, ethical way. To identify these companies, socially responsible investors can use a set of criteria known as ESG.
