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MONTHLY MARKET REPORT: JUNE 2019
Broader markets continue to climb
Prepared by Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA, and Thomas Connelly, CFA, CFP®[/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 Rise
In the month of June, international developed stock markets rose 5.94%. Japan and the UK had modest gains of 3.74% and 4.99%, respectively. The U.S. equity market climbed 6.98% for the month. Year to date returns have overturned much of 2018’s losses, reminding investors that timing the market is difficult and staying invested is the key.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5030″ 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]Russia Outperforming in 2019
Broader emerging markets posted a gain of 5.49% for the month. Korea and Russia recorded gains of 8.77% and 8.72%, respectively. India lagged other markets in June, dropping 0.27%. Given India’s high valuation, investors are being more cautious. Emerging markets have gained 11.74% year to date, but still trade at attractive valuations relative to the U.S. market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5029″ 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]Materials Have Strong Month
Materials and information technology recorded gains of 10.19% and 8.89%, respectively. Consumer staples and utilities lagged other sectors, posting returns of 4.03% and 3.60%, respectively. Year to date returns are strong across most defensive sectors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5037″ 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 outperforms Growth
In June, value outperformed growth in the large-cap, but underperformed in the small-cap space. Momentum recorded a gain of 7.49%. 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=”5036″ 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]Momentum Off to Strong Start
In the international developed markets, value underperformed growth in the large-cap space, but outperformed in the small-cap space. Momentum recorded a gain of 6.46% while small-cap emerging market stocks advanced 4.81%. Over a ten-year period, value has kept pace with growth while the size premium was positive in the international developed markets.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5035″ 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]With the Yield Curve Flat, Cash is an Attractive Investment Option
With the U.S. equity market trading at a high valuation and fixed income spreads low, investors can turn to cash and earn a competitive risk-adjusted rate of return. Investors can earn a similar annual rate on cash versus those of intermediate-term bonds. The CPI increased by 1.66% year over year through June.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5034″ 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
The returns of deflationary hedges were primarily positive for the month. Emerging market bonds and high yield led the way, returning 3.04% and 2.45%, respectively. The Barclays U.S. Agg Bond Index was up 1.26%. Emerging market bonds are off to a strong 2019, returning 10.60% year to date. Emerging market debt may warrant a higher portfolio allocation if developed market growth continues to slow and their high debt levels become burdensome.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5033″ 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]Gold Outperforming Over Past Year
Inflation-sensitive investment returns were primarily positive for the month with the exception of natural gas. WTI crude oil and gold bullion recorded gains of 8.79% and 8.76%, respectively. Infrastructure and real estate posted modest gains. Over the past year, gold has outperformed other inflation-sensitive investments. Given its favorable supply/demand dynamics and role as a hedge against late cycle risks, gold merits an allocation in clients’ portfolios.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5032″ 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 Strengthens Against British Pound and Chinese Yuan
Over the past three months, the U.S. dollar appreciated against the British Pound and Chinese Yuan, but depreciated against most other major currencies. Relative to the U.S. dollar, the British pound and Chinese yuan depreciated by 3.00% and 2.29%, respectively, over the past three months. For international equity investors, a weakening U.S. dollar will provide a tailwind to returns.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5031″ 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]
