Equities rose once again in November with US equities, in particular, climbing between 3% and 4% overall. The S&P’s 500 gained 3.63% while the US Small Cap index progressed 4.12% and the Nasdaq Composite 4.64%.

Internationally, the rising USD made it harder for indices to move up as spectacularly. The S&P EPAC BMI (developed economies index) rose only 1.03%. In Emerging markets performance was more contrasted, with the MSCI EM dropping -.14% while the Frontier 100 Index rose a robust 2.77%.

After a difficult start, the month of October turned out to be positive for equities around the world. The S&P’s 500 gained 2.17%. The US Small Cap index rose a bit more with the Russell 2000 progressing 2.63%. Internationally, developed equities did well as the US dollar lost value against major currencies. As a consequence, international markets performed generally better than US markets.

The S&P EPAC BMI (developed economies index) rose 3.76%. Emerging markets equities were up too with the MSCI EM rising a solid 4.22% while the Frontier Index inched up .71%.

September was a positive month for equities around the world. A lessening of trade tensions between the US and China helped. So did the absolute spanking that Boris Johnson received from the UK parliament, thereby reducing the odds of a hard Brexit. That helped European equities outperform their US counterparts.
The S&P’s 500 gained 1.87% in September. The US Small Cap index rose a bit more with the Russell 2000 progressing 2.08%. Internationally, developed equities did well.

In August, the escalation of hostilities between the US and China on trade matters contributed to a sometimes severe negative performance for equity markets around the globe. The S&Ps’ 500 lost 1.58% while the US Small Cap index dropped 4.94%. Internationally, equities declined generally more abruptly. The S&P EPAC BMI (developed markets) shrunk 2.93% during August while emerging markets sunk by 4.88% (MSCI EM).