Investment performance was mixed across asset classes during the second quarter against a backdrop of stronger economic growth in the U.S. and China, election uncertainties (particularly in Italy and Mexico), intensifying trade tensions, and central banks' transition away from policy stimulus and quantitative easing (QE) to quantitative tightening (QT). Energy prices (Brent Crude +14%) and the U.S.
Investment performance was mixed across asset classes during the second quarter against a backdrop of stronger economic growth in the U.S. and China, election uncertainties (particularly in Italy and Mexico), intensifying trade tensions, and central banks' transition away from policy stimulus and quantitative easing (QE) to quantitative tightening (QT). Energy prices (Brent Crude +14%) and the U.S.
The Altrinsic International Equity Portfolio gained 1.3% during the first quarter, outperforming the 1.5% decline by the MSCI EAFE Index as measured in U.S.
The fear that persisted in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been replaced by complacency and growing excesses in many markets. It was difficult to lose money in 2017, as 38 of the 39 major asset classes monitored by Deutsche Bank delivered positive returns. Global equity markets, as measured by the MSCI World Index, climbed in every single month of 2017 and have now delivered a 237% total return since their 2009 lows.2 Stock market valuations have become stretched by historical measures, while interest rates, credit spreads, and volatility hover near all-time lows.
The fear that persisted in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been replaced by complacency and growing excesses in many markets. It was difficult to lose money in 2017, as 38 of the 39 major asset classes monitored by Deutsche Bank delivered positive returns. As measured by the MSCI World Index, equities climbed in every single month of 2017 and have now delivered a 237% total return since their 2009 lows.2 Stock market valuations have become stretched by historical measures, while interest rates, credit spreads, and volatility hover near all-time lows. Reflecting th
Strong gains were delivered across most markets and asset classes during the third quarter, fueled by synchronized (yet tepid) global economic growth, a benign inflationary environment, and continuing unorthodox monetary policies. Improving corporate earnings further supported market strength with emerging markets and the most economically cyclical industries leading markets to all-time highs. Meanwhile, volatility levels, as measured by the VIX index, fell to all-time low levels. This inherent complacency is unsettling in light of historically low interest rates, high valuation levels,
Strong gains were delivered across most markets and asset classes during the third quarter, fueled by synchronized (yet tepid) global economic growth, a benign inflationary environment, and continuing unorthodox monetary policies. Improving corporate earnings further supported market strength with emerging markets and the most economically cyclical industries leading markets to all-time highs. Meanwhile, volatility levels, as measured by the VIX index, fell to all-time low levels. This inherent complacency is unsettling in light of historically low interest rates, high valuation levels,
The world is changing fast. The threat of disruption is real and growing with the potential for catastrophic outcomes for companies and industries across the globe. Once formidable barriers to entry are breaking down under the onslaught of new, fast-moving competitors empowered by the changing dynamics of the mobile internet age.
The Altrinsic International Equity Portfolio gained 7.9% in the second quarter, outperforming the MSCI EAFE's 6.1% rise as measured in U.S. dollars. Outperformance was overwhelmingly driven by stock-specific factors, most notably delivered by our investments in Nintendo (Japan), Japan Exchange (Japan), and Heineken (Netherlands). At the broad market level, underlying corporate earnings have been strong, but the degree of complacency in many markets concerns us. Macro imbalances persist and stock market valuations remain elevated, following a robust nine-year climb.
