Market Perspectives

Despite extensive economic and human costs, 2020 may be a turning point in multiple ways. The speed of the U.S. economic recovery indicates that the U.S. economy is far more resilient than previously acknowledged. The rapid development of a coronavirus vaccine showcased the astonishing capabilities of modern biotechnology firms financed by governments and capital markets. In addition, this year’s innovations in fiscal and monetary policy might become a new standard. Much hinges on whether the Biden administration can implement its agenda of accommodative fiscal policy and strict climate change regulations...

Propelled by large cap growth stocks, the S&P 500 reached an all-time high on September 2.  New economic data exceeded expectations, and COVID-19 cases were falling in the U.S. Yet stocks soon declined, driven by a correction in large cap tech stocks.  Equities still closed the quarter in positive territory, with the S&P returning 9% this quarter and 6% year-to-date.  H ...

Following the March downturn, the quarter featured an exceptionally fast rebound in stocks. The S&P 500 posted returns of 21%, and the NASDAQ climbed 31% this quarter. Stock prices closed the quarter close to January levels, with the S&P 500 down 3% and the NASDAQ up 13% year-to-date. The rebound occurred while the U.S. economy operated at limited capacity with many sec ...

On January 1st, China informed the American government that a new pathogen, soon to be called the coronavirus, had been discovered in Wuhan, China. Its toxicity and infection rates were still unknown but soon proved to be far more virulent than many prior viruses.  There was no medical cure.  Epidemiologists warned that a global pandemic could result.  The contagion in China so ...