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.
Equities powered through several headwinds this quarter providing an important lesson on the benefits of maintaining a disciplined investment approach...
With the U.S economy showing signs of strengthening and the S&P 500 index hitting all time highs, the Federal Reserve indicated in late May that it may soon slow down, or “taper”, the quantitative easing measures that have supported the U.S economy for the past 5 years.
Developed equity markets around the globe moved higher to start the New Year, with U.S. stock markets enjoying particularly strong performance and reaching new highs.
Concerns about the negotiations surrounding the fiscal cliff negatively impacted the U.S. markets for the quarter...
Markets were strong during the third quarter, reversing most of the losses suffered the previous quarter...