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MONTHLY MARKET REPORT: JANUARY 2019
Developed markets bounced back; emerging market bonds shine
Prepared by Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA, and Thomas Connelly, CFA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4231″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Developed Markets Bounce Back
In the month of January, international developed stock markets in the aggregate rose by 7.14%. Canada and the U.S. recorded gains of 13.03% and 8.18%, respectively. Europe ex UK and Japan also posted solid gains of 6.40% and 6.10%, respectively. After a volatile December 2018 and this subsequent bounce back, investors are reminded that trying to time the market is a costly game.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4787″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4237″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Emerging Markets Outperform in January
Broader emerging markets posted a gain of 8.25% in January. Brazil and Russia recorded sizable gains of 17.76% and 13.89%, respectively. India took a step back in January, dropping 1.93%. Trade tensions and changes in developed market monetary policy has increased market volatility, but investors should focus on the attractive relative valuations of emerging markets over developed markets.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4786″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4234″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Energy and Industrials Have Strong Month
Energy and industrials recorded gains of 10.34% and 9.28%, respectively. After outperforming other global sectors in 2018, healthcare and utilities post a modest gain. The sectors that generally perform well in the later stages of a business cycle include those with inflation-sensitive properties such as materials and energy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4785″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4232″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Value Underperforms Growth
In January, value underperformed growth in the large-cap and small-cap space. Momentum recorded a gain of 7.43%. Historically, different equity factors have their own periods of outperformance, usually in shorter time periods but sometimes lasting a decade. However, tilting portfolios to capture more of the value and size premium has historically compensated investors in the long run.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4793″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4233″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]International Small-Cap Stocks Outperform
In the international developed markets, value outperformed growth in the large-cap space in January, but underperformed in the small-cap space. Momentum recorded a gain of 6.44% while small-cap emerging market stocks posted a gain of 6.40%.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4792″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4236″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Cash is a Viable Investment Option
The Fed raised rates again last December, which should translate into higher money market fund yields and competitive returns relative to longer duration bonds. However, the central bank recently decided to hold off on another rate hike. With the U.S. equity market near a historically high valuation and a flat yield curve, investors can still turn to cash and get paid to wait. The CPI increased by 1.95% year over year through last December.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4791″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4230″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Emerging Market Bonds Shine in January
The returns of deflationary hedges were primarily positive for the month. Emerging market bonds recorded a gain of 4.42%. The Barclays U.S. Agg Bond Index rose by 1.06%. Government bonds have recorded modest gains over the past few years, but they still provide valuable diversification in a portfolio. Extra care must be taken in the high yield and leveraged loan space as covenants have become weaker over time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4790″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4235″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Energy Starts Year Off Strong
Inflation-sensitive investment returns were mostly positive for the month. Crude oil and the Alerian MLP recorded gains of 17.90% and 12.64%, respectively. Gold and inflation-indexed bond returns posted modest gains. Gold currently has favorable supply/demand dynamics for gold investors and provides a valuable hedge against currency debasement and inflation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4789″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4238″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]U.S. Dollar Weakens
Over the past three months, the U.S. dollar depreciated against most other major currencies except the Canadian dollar. The Yen appreciated by 3.56% relative to the U.S. dollar, and the Mexican peso appreciated by 4.5%. After a period of U.S. dollar strength, investors in international securities may get a modest tailwind if the U.S. dollar depreciates any further.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4788″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA – Research Analyst
Brandon conducts investment due diligence for Versant Capital Management, and designs and implements tools and processes to support the firm’s research. His background in biology and finance help him to look at challenges from multiple angles, resulting in unique and well-rounded approaches and solutions.
Disclosure: Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Versant Capital Management, Inc.), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this article will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this article serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Versant Capital Management, Inc. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. Versant Capital Management, Inc. is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the article content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. If you are a Versant Capital Management, Inc. client, please remember to contact Versant Capital Management, Inc., in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services. A copy of the Versant Capital Management, Inc.’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
