2017 began amid several geopolitical and economic worries, most of which did not materialize.
Since the end of the Great Recession, global economic growth has been lower than historical levels and interest rates have remained at historically low levels.
Several Central Banks around the world have ventured into the once-unchartered territory of negative interest rates.
PWM presents the Fall 2015 Market Flashback. In this video, we will discuss: Concerns about global growth and the possibility of a hard landing in China continue to weigh on investors. Volatility levels have spiked creating opportunities for long term investors.
Markets and the global economy are not too far from the trajectory they were on at the beginning of the year, despite all the international drama.
Year to date, the US dollar has risen about 11.6% vs. the Euro. As mentioned previously, this is due to a divergence in monetary policies.
U.S. Economic data released at the end of the quarter was mostly positive. The final revision for second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed a healthy 4.6% annual rate of growth, revised upwards from a previous read of 4.2%.
In general, with the exception of momentary concerns, investors chose not to be troubled by geopolitical issues and mixed economic reports.
Global equity markets ended the quarter, and the year, on a high note.