2021 was another unusual and sometimes challenging year. We alternated between feelings of relief and anxiety and moved through a series of monumental events, including the ongoing effects of the pandemic, extreme weather conditions, faults in many commercial supply chains, and global political changes. COVID continues to cast a shadow over us, especially as the | Read More +
Our Thinking
Sage 2022 Investment Outlook
Introduction: 2021, A Year of Strong Performance Through Uncertainty Stock markets generated strong returns in 2021, while the performance of bonds was mediocre. Following the 2020 U.S. elections, many investors expected higher taxes and a difficult environment for corporations. Instead, corporations registered staggering profit growth, navigating through choppy markets fraught with pandemic-related economic issues (e.g., | Read More +
Insights: Market Volatility in November, Omicron, and Tapering
In November, stocks moved lower, and bonds provided a positive return as market participants responded to the uncertainty around the Omicron variant of COVID and the Federal Reserve’s statements that it may speed up tapering in response to inflation and strong employment. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both U.S. and international | Read More +
Insights: A Strong Start to the Fourth Quarter and A Close Look at Inflation
In October, stocks started the fourth quarter on a strong note, while bonds retreated modestly as market participants positioned portfolios for the final months of 2021. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both U.S. and international stocks), advanced by 5.10% in October, the U.S. large-cap Russell 1000 Index rose 6.94%, the U.S. | Read More +
Insights: Market Commentary for September 2021 and a Look Ahead
The month of September saw stocks and bonds move lower as market participants responded to the Federal Reserve’s decision to likely begin tapering monthly bond purchases toward the end of Q4, the ongoing Evergrande situation in China, and upcoming policy decisions out of Washington, D.C. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both | Read More +
Insights: What Drove the Markets in August
Financial markets were generally positive in August as equities advanced, bonds were mixed, and the optimistic economic backdrop continued despite uncertainty regarding the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both U.S. and international stocks), advanced by 2.50% in August, the U.S. large-cap Russell 1000 Index rose | Read More +
Insights: U.S. Corporate Earnings, Inflation, COVID Trends, Infrastructure, and Chinese Regulations
Financial markets were generally stable in July, supported by a positive economic backdrop. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both U.S. and international stocks), advanced by 0.69% in July, the U.S. large-cap Russell 1000 Index rose 2.08%, the U.S. small-cap Russell 2000 Index fell by 3.61%, and the MSCI ACWI Ex-USA Index | Read More +
Insights: Revisiting 2021 Themes and Second Half Outlook
The equity markets performed well in June, supported by continued positive developments throughout the global economy. Equities have performed exceptionally well through the first half of the year, while bonds have been mixed. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both U.S. and international stocks), advanced by 12.56% in the first half of | Read More +
Insights: Economic Growth & Inflation, COVID-19, and Portfolio Diversification
The financial markets performed well in May, supported by continued positive developments throughout the global economy. The MSCI ACWI Index, which represents global equities (i.e., both U.S. and international stocks), advanced by 1.56%, the U.S. large-cap Russell 1000 Index rose 0.47%, the U.S. small-cap Russell 2000 Index increased by 0.21%, and the MSCI ACWI Ex-USA | Read More +
Our Perspective: Current Trends In U.S. Inflation
Inflation in the United States is receiving significant attention from the financial media and has some investors worried. In this issue of Our Perspective, we will explain why inflation matters, the trends in the current environment, and what they may mean for investors. Why Does Inflation Matter? Per the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, inflation | Read More +
