Category: Q1
Economic Commentary - Q1 2019
Global financial markets experienced heightened volatility during the fourth quarter of 2018 as concerns surrounding higher interest rates here in the U.S., and uncertain trade and tariff relations worldwide, weighed heavily on investor sentiment. We present a few highlights from the 4Q18 below: • U.S. equity markets sold off sharply during the fourth quarter in volatile and choppy trade, with large intra-day moves the norm. In this “risk-off” environment, the S & P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite traded sharply lower. On the economic front, U.S. economic data remained strong. However, there are potential international and domestic headwinds that could dampen growth, particularly uncertainty surrounding trade policy for U.S. businesses. • Developed international equity markets posted steep declines in tandem with those here in the U.S. Financial markets in the Eurozone generally lagged those in the Pacific ex-Japan region as Brexit worries persisted. On the political front, Prime Minister May faced resistance from her EU counterparts in a bid for new Brexit concessions, sparking concerns of a chaotic no-deal outcome that could potentially be damaging for the European and British economies. In the emerging markets, returns were held back by weak performances from several large Asian economies. • Within fixed income, results were
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