On the back of a relatively good earnings season, August saw moderate
gains, with the S&P 500 Index nearly surpassing its year-to-date high
during the month.
Domestic large-cap stocks, as measured by the S&P 500, gained 2.25% for the month, while small- and mid-cap stocks fared even better. Foreign stocks were mixed; developed markets, as measured by the MSCI World ex-U.S. Index, rose 2.85% while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index fell 0.33%. The bond market was relatively flat in August: Treasuries and the Barclays Municipal 1-10 Year Index fell slightly, while the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index inched up 0.07% for the month. High-yield bonds, however, continued to fare well, with the Barclays U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index gaining 1.17%. (Source: Morningstar. Please note that it is not possible to invest directly in to an index.)
Domestic large-cap stocks, as measured by the S&P 500, gained 2.25% for the month, while small- and mid-cap stocks fared even better. Foreign stocks were mixed; developed markets, as measured by the MSCI World ex-U.S. Index, rose 2.85% while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index fell 0.33%. The bond market was relatively flat in August: Treasuries and the Barclays Municipal 1-10 Year Index fell slightly, while the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index inched up 0.07% for the month. High-yield bonds, however, continued to fare well, with the Barclays U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index gaining 1.17%. (Source: Morningstar. Please note that it is not possible to invest directly in to an index.)
Overall, the economy remains sluggish. This is reflected in mild second-quarter GDP growth numbers, recently revised upwards from 1.5% to 1.7%. (Source: Morningstar)
We hope you find this information useful, and welcome your feedback. Thank you for your business, and please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
White House Financial
& Settlement Consulting helps families live easier and less stressful lives
through the proper management of their financial resources. We do this by acting as our clients’ trusted
advisor providing a personal touch customized to the client’s needs! Please visit our web site at www.whitehousellc.com
for more information!