Buy on the Rumor, Sell on the News By Theresa Gusman, Chief Investment Officer  |  Download PDF US equities continue to hit new highs. A 9.1% fourth quarter surge propelled the S&P 500 to a 31.5% increase in 2019 – and the index continues to advance. A mixed start to 2019 yielded to strong fourth quarter gains in international equity markets. The MSCI ACWI, Ex US index advanced 8.9% in the fourth quarter and 21.5% in 2019. Volatility diminished during the gradual climb in global equity prices. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, as of mid-January the stock market is in one of its longest historic streaks without a daily move of 1% or more. Amid the improving global economic and earnings backdrops, global markets look poised to continue to shrug off myriad geo-political risks and stretched valuations in the near term. As we move through the year and the election looms, we anticipate increased volatility in the US – which could provide a chance for international equity markets to stage a relative comeback.

In this issue: Global Market Highlights  |  Outlook - Climbing A Wall Of Worry...Until We Get To The Top  |  Quarterly Bond Market Overview Earnings and Economic Growth Decelerating, Valuations Stretched - Markets Rising? By Theresa Gusman, Chief Investment Officer  |  Download PDF US equities continue to hit new highs. After its best first half in 22 years, the S&P 500 posted a 1.7% gain in the third quarter. Global equity markets were mixed. Japanese, European and US equities rose in the third quarter, while non-Japan Asia and Emerging Markets declined, paring gains for the year. Volatility persisted during the quarter. Global equity markets advanced and declined along with trade tensions, Brexit news, and monetary easing amid slowing economic activity and continued low inflation. Despite the volatility, equity markets remain resilient, even as global growth slows, earnings growth decelerates sharply, and valuations are stretched.

In this issue: Quarterly Performance Benchmarks  |  Global Market Highlights  |  Outlook – Climbing a wall of worry…Until we get to the top  |  Quarterly Bond Market Overview Download PDF Mixed signals: New Highs, Decelerating Earnings Growth, Stretched Valuations By Theresa Gusman US equities continue to hit new highs. The S&P 500 posted its best first half in 22 years, rising 18.5% through the end of June. Stock markets advanced worldwide, with developed and emerging international markets up 14.0% and 10.6%, respectively, year-to-date, and 3.7% and 0.6% in the second quarter. Volatility persisted during the quarter, with global equity markets rising and falling along with trade tensions -- until it became apparent that the Federal Reserve would be quick to reduce rates amid slowing economic activity and continued low inflation. Fresh highs come amid slowing global growth, sharply decelerating earnings growth and stretched valuations.

First Affirmative’s key messages to advisors at the 2019 FPA NextGen Gathering: