Category: 2017 Q4
2017 Q4 Economic Commentary
Global financial markets continued to increase during the third quarter of 2017, supported by improving world economic growth. However, fiscal and monetary uncertainties – as well as geopolitical events - continue to present risks. While tensions exist around the world, the potential for escalating military conflict with North Korea is the immediate threat. A few highlights from the third quarter are: • U.S. equity markets continued to trade near record highs despite the new Trump Administration’s failure to show meaningful progress on key domestic policies. On the economic front, preliminary estimates indicate GDP grew better-than-expected in the second quarter, reflecting robust consumer spending and strong business investment. U.S. equities are now in the ninth year of a bull market, making it one of the longest in the post-WWII era. • Developed international equity markets were also positive during the third quarter and continued to outperform their domestic counterparts as earnings growth improved and economic data remained solid. There were strong gains in Europe, while the Pacific region lagged. In the emerging markets, returns were propelled higher by solid performances from China, India and Brazil. Year-to-date, emerging markets equities are the best performing asset class. • Within fixed income, all major asset classes posted gains during the third quarter. Foreign un-hedged bonds continued to benefit from weakness in the U.S. dolla
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